Derby County 1-1 Huddersfield Town: Harry Toffolo's late goal earns Terriers a point against Rams
- Published
Wayne Rooney was involved in most of Derby's best moments and set up Tom Lawrence's goal
Harry Toffolo struck his first goal for Huddersfield Town as the Championship strugglers battled back to earn a late point against Derby County at Pride Park.
Tom Lawrence looked set to earn the Rams a sixth victory in nine games, the winger smashing a superb opener into the top corner after the break following some typical quick thinking from Wayne Rooney.
But Toffolo, who joined the Terriers from boss Danny Cowley's former club Lincoln in January, levelled with nine minutes remaining when he raced into the area and beat keeper Kelle Roos at his near post from a tight angle.
Both sides had chances in the closing stages, Roos denying Chris Willock with a smart stop and Jonas Lossl making a regulation save from a Rooney free-kick.
The draw means Huddersfield remain five points above the relegation zone following Wigan Athletic's 2-2 draw with Cardiff City.
But they could easily have been celebrating a win at a blustery Pride Park against a Derby side, whose failure to see out victory means they are nine points off the play-offs.
The Rams shaded a tight, uneventful first half, with Rooney twice having decent attempts well saved by Lossl.
However, the Terriers were the better side on the resumption and almost led when Fraizer Campbell's powerful left-foot shot from 20 yards smashed against the post.
Lawrence's blistering strike put the Rams, who remain unbeaten in their past 24 meeting with the Terriers, ahead against the run of play.
Toffolo denied the hosts a vital three points though, pouncing for the equaliser after Jayden Bogle lost possession deep in his own half.
Derby manager Phillip Cocu told BBC Radio Derby:
"It's about details, we didn't score that second goal. We had to be patient today. It was a great goal from Tom (Lawrence).
"(The second goal) didn't happen. We had the game under control, but every mistake and bad judgement can cost you.
"We had a point, okay we could have lost at the end, but we should have won this game."
Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley told BBC Radio Leeds:
"I thought it was a really good away performance, I thought it was a really good response after the disappointment of Wednesday.
"I was really proud of the players for the resilience and grit they showed during the game. I thought we defended with real intensity today.
"(After conceding) we showed real character about us and thought our way back into the game."
