Ben Brereton Diaz’s equaliser denied Wrexham a first home league win in the Championship as they shared the points with Derby in a 1-1 draw at the Stok Cae Ras.
Lewis O’Brien had given Wrexham the lead just before the hour mark before Brereton Diaz struck for the Rams.
But it was Derby who could have taken the lead within the first minute.
A long kick from goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom was flicked on to Patrick Agyemang, but the striker steered his shot wide of the post.
Wrexham were held to a 1-1 draw at the Racecourse
Wrexham’s Ryan Longman then tested Derby’s Swedish stopper, before O’Brien was lucky to receive only a yellow card after a bad challenge on Rams midfielder Ebou Adams.
The hosts continued to push forward, with Ben Sheaf’s powerful effort caught by Widell Zetterstrom.
Issa Kabore then flew down the right flank after 16 minutes and crossed it in for Kieffer Moore, but his shot was blocked by the visitors’ defence.
Longman, however, kept the ball in play and tried a close-range effort, only for the Derby stopper to keep it out at his near post.
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Soccer Saturday’s Clinton Morrison and Mike Dean are in complete agreement that Wrexham’s Lewis O’Brien should have seen red for his tackle on Ebou Adams.
There was little in the way of goalmouth action until 36 minutes when George Dobson was fouled outside the area.
Wrexham captain Josh Windass stepped up to take the resulting free-kick, but his effort went well over the crossbar.
The home side’s next chance came five minutes later as Kabore sent another ball in, with Moore reaching it, but he could only head the ball into the hands of Widell Zetterstrom.
The first chance of the second half came after 54 minutes when Windass’ rocket was saved by Widell Zetterstrom, before Derby defender Max Johnston hit the ball against his own post.
Wrexham then had goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to thank moments later as he made an outstanding double save to deny Johnston and then Derby striker Carlton Morris.
John Eustace’s men were left to rue their missed chances after 59 minutes when O’Brien gave Wrexham the lead.
Kabore sent another ball in which O’Brien met and headed beyond Widell Zetterstrom.
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Brereton Diaz equalised for Derby in style in their Championship clash with Wrexham.
Wrexham could have doubled their lead four minutes later after Sheaf found Longman, whose effort was caught by Derby’s goalkeeper.
The visitors levelled in the 72nd minute thanks to Brereton Diaz.
Agyemang headed the ball through to him for the Chilean international to knock it beyond defender Lewis Brunt and thump it past Okonkwo from 25 yards to record his first goal in Derby colours.
Wrexham would have felt they could have done better after 77 minutes when Matty James’ cross was met by Moore, only to head wide of the post.
The managers
Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson:
“It was a strong performance, so I am disappointed that we did not win.
“We scored an outstanding goal too and, at that point, I thought we had Derby where we wanted them.
“We could have done better for their goal, but our quality of performance was really good.
“Derby are a direct team, but we stood strong against that.
“We are improving as a team and learning about the Championship from each game.
“I also thought our crowd was magnificent and they played a huge part – especially in the second half.”
Derby’s John Eustace:
“To get a point after going a goal down in difficult conditions in a difficult place to come was pleasing.
“First half I was really happy with our performance, apart from in the final third where we just let ourselves down a little bit – we got into some great areas.
“We just lacked that bit of quality, but I am sure that will come.
“We are disappointed with the manner we conceded, but we equalised with a fantastic goal and that is why we brought Ben to the club.
“He is top class and people forget he didn’t have a pre-season and is catching up on his fitness, but that will come.
“There are 46 games to play in the Championship and we aren’t always going to get the rub of the green, so it is important to pick up points where we can.”
