Derby County have missed the chance to go top of the Championship table after drawing 2-2 at Leeds United on Tuesday evening.
The Rams would have finished the night atop the division if they had managed to collect all three points at Elland Road, but they remain second after failing to overcome a spirited Leeds outfit.
Neither side had a clear chance in the opening 10 minutes, but the first serious opportunity brought the game's opening goal. It was Jeff Hendrick that sent Derby into the lead after dancing through the Leeds defence and slotting into the back of the net.
The home side came close to levelling in the 22nd minute through Tom Adeyemi, but the 24-year-old headed over the crossbar from inside the box.
A frustrating period saw three Leeds players pick up yellow cards in quick succession, but the hosts managed to level the scores in the latter stages of the first period when Sol Bamba converted from close range after Derby failed to clear their lines.
The visitors had the first real chance of the second period, but Bradley Johnson could only fire over the crossbar after smart work from Hendrick, before Stuart Dallas was denied by a smart stop from Lee Grant down the other end.
Darren Bent was next to come close for Derby just past the hour, but his low strike from close range was blocked for a corner.
It was Leeds that scored the game's all-important third goal, Chris Wood heading a Sam Byram cross into the back of the net. Derby were not finished, however, and levelled the scores 12 minutes from time when Tom Ince converted from close range after a clever flick from Hendrick.
Derby came closest to winning it late on through Hendrick, but the midfielder's effort deflected over the crossbar from inside the box.
Leeds are currently on a six-game unbeaten run in the Championship, while Derby have not tasted defeat in the league since the start of November.
Matt Law
