WAYNE ROONEY continued his unbeaten run at Derby as they snatched a stoppage time equaliser at Middlesbrough.
Manchester United and England’s record goalscorer had captained the Rams to victory in both league and FA Cup in his first two appearances.
Wayne Rooney was overshone by Patrick Roberts despite Derby grabbing a late draw at MiddlesbroughCredit: REX
And the 34-year-old wore the armband again as he took up his new role deep in the Derby midfield as they claimed a 2-2 draw at home of the Championship’s most in-form side Boro.
But the veteran was overshadowed by the inspirational Boro forward Patrick Roberts as he hardly left his own half during the first period – in fact if he was any deeper he’d have been sat in the Riverside’s south stand.
Buoyed by their five match unbeaten run, Jonathan Woodgate’s men should have had their noses in front inside the opening minute.
Man of the match Patrick Roberts’ corner was met by Lewis Wing, but the midfielder missed the target despite being completely free.
Wing made amends quarter of an hour later though with a fine finish after Roberts had cut inside and picked out Marcus Tavernier on the edge of the box, and the attacker backheeled it straight into the goalscorer’s path to drill home.
Rooney and the rest of the Derby side continued to penned in as Boro threatened to add to their tally, but the Rams almost stole an equaliser with their only shot on target of the opening period in the 31st minute.
A neat passing move on the counter led to Duane Holmes feeding Martyn Waghorn to race clean through on goal but stopper Aynsley Pears stood up well to deny him.
Back came Woodgate’s side and a superb break sent Ashley Fletcher down the right before he cut the ball back into the path of Roberts ten yards out – but the Manchester City loanee blazed over from ten yards with his preferred left foot.
A Wing long-ranger caused Derby another scare before Phillip Cocu was able to get into his team at the interval.
And whatever the Dutchman said seemed to have the desired effect as they came storming out the traps following the restart and soon found themselves level.
With a new–found energy, the visitors began on the front foot and drew within ten minutes, albeit in fortuitous fashion.
Tom Lawrence evaded Dael Fry near the right corner flag and rolled the ball back for Jason Knight, and his cross looped over everybody and the ‘keeper Pears before hitting the far post and into the net.
Derby’s tails were up and Rooney soon had a moment to show there was still plenty of magic in his feet, but unfortunately for him his 25-yard curling free-kick was inches too high of the top corner.
However, there was another magic man on the pitch prepared to pull a rabbit out of the hat and it was 22-year-old Roberts.
The diminutive trickster picked up possession out on the right flank with his side under the cosh.
He darted inside and left Max Lowe for dead as he weaved his way just inside the 18-yard line, but just as he prepared to pull the trigger after reaching the centre, the forward was sent tumbling by Matthew Clarke.
And that allowed Paddy McNair to place down the ball and power it home from the spot for what looked like it would be five league wins on the bounce for Boro.
Roberts was replaced by his fellow Man City loanee Lukas Nmecha with ten minutes remaining, but the standing ovation he received already shows he is well on his way to becoming a favourite with the Teesside faithful.
However, the cheers soon turned into tears in the final seconds as Duane Holmes struck a superb left-footed volley to earn a point.
And that ensured Rooney, who was met with a chorus of boos with nearly every touch, still remains undefeated since his return to English football.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
