Derby County 2 Middlesbrough 2: Lita's late strike spares Boro

Leroy Lita scored a goal which what could resonate at both ends of the table as he rescued a point for Middlesbrough with a last-minute equaliser against Derby at Pride Park.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Mar 2010, 08:43 BST
Updated 17th Mar 2010, 08:43 BST

Substitute Lita's glancing header from Barry Robson's free-kick kept Boro on the coat-tails of the teams in the play-off places and left the Rams precariously perched just above the relegation zone. The Teessiders had been reduced to 10 men shortly before when Rhys Williams was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Dean Leacock.

Boro took the lead when Andrew Taylor's cross was only headed to the edge of the area by Nicky Hunt and Robson's rocket of a volley flew in. It was Boro's first away goal in 313 minutes of league football.

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Against the run of play Derby equalised through Chris Porter.

Derby went ahead when Boro failed to clear their lines and Michael Tonge crashed in a

20-yard volley.

Luke O'Neil sent a volley just wide and Williams then saw red before Lita got a touch to Robson's inswinging cross to earn a point.

Derby County: David Martin, Hunt (Leacock 76), Anderson, Barker, McEveley, Tonge, Green, Savage (Porter 63), Pearson, Hulse, Sunu (Dave Martin 86). Unused substitutes: Deeney, Buxton, Pringle, Moxey.

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Middlesbrough: Coyne, Taylor, McManus, Wheater, Naughton (Hoyte 69), Robson, Rhys Williams, O'Neil, Arca (Miller 82), Killen (Lita 73), McDonald. Unused substitutes: Jones, Riggott, Emnes, Grounds.

Referee: David Phillips (West Sussex).

Related topics:BoroMiddlesbroughDerby County