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Sky Bet Championship: Derby boss Steve McClaren happy with point at Rotherham

Derby head coach Steve McClaren
Image: Steve McClaren: Believes point at Rotherham could be priceless

Derby boss Steve McClaren reckons his side's point from a 3-3 draw at Rotherham could be priceless come the end of the season.

The promotion-chasing Rams were staring down the barrel at 3-1 down after an hour as the Millers put in a rousing performance, but goals from Tom Ince and Darren Bent earned a draw which sent them back into the top two.

There was an air of inevitably about it as soon as Ince bagged his second of the game - his first came moments after Paul Green had put Rotherham in front in the first half - and McClaren hailed his squad's fighting spirit, though he was unhappy with their defending.

"That could turn out to be one of the most valuable points we get," the former England manager said. "Not just the point, not losing, but the manner in which we came back in the last half hour.

"I thought once we got the third we would go on and win the game but you can't win football matches if you concede three goals like we did.

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Darren Bent struck seven minutes from time as Derby rallied from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 at Rotherham

"They were poor goals to concede, not like us. Credit to Rotherham, they played with a fierceness and tempo and we didn't match it.

"But fortunately we've got a good bench with people who can change the game.

"We have got a good squad and that is a great comeback, but the first hour, we can't do that. At the business end you can't take a day off."

Rotherham were on course for a famous win which would have done wonders for their battle against the drop after a fine opening hour.

After coming in at the break with the score at 1-1, a two-goal salvo from Richie Smallwood and Matt Derbyshire within nine minutes of the restart had them well on top.

Derbyshire almost made it 4-1 only for Lee Grant to produce a fine save and from the resulting corner, the Rams broke and made it 3-2.

Despite taking pride at their display, Millers boss Steve Evans was disappointed as his side moved four points clear of the relegation zone.

"What an advert for Rotherham United being (in) the Championship," the Scot said. "There's tinges of great disappointment being 3-1 up.

"We got a point but we have come across the best team and manager in the division.

"They have laid siege, there is some sloppy defending from us, the second and third goals could be averted.

"We are immensely proud of them. We have got a point and we are a bit disappointed. Every player gave me everything, I can't ask for any more, but we are disappointed.

"We will take a point and we will be a coupon buster for most people around the country. We have taken a team which will be in the Premier League right to the wire."

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