The FA Cup third round replay between Derby County and Millwall at Pride Park on Tuesday Jan 12, 2009.
Derby County's fortunes finally took a turn for the better last night, the pity being that so few of their fans were present to witness the event.
The lowest crowd in Pride Park's 11-year history, just 7,183, saw Derby prevail on penalties and edge past Millwall in this FA Cup third round replay to secure a home tie against either Doncaster Rovers or Brentford later this month.
Stephen Bywater's save from Danny Schofield's spot kick proved decisive as the home team completed an unblemished round of conversions and end a distressing sequence of three successive home defeats in the Championship.
Chris Porter's astonishing profligacy in the 68th minute, the lanky forward achieving some notoriety and the virtually impossible by volleying against the crossbar from inside the six yard area, ensured extra time was needed during which Scott Barron's right foot shot from distance also bounced off the woodwork.
Rumours of dressing room malcontent scarcely helped Derby manager Nigel Clough's cause which was further hindered when Millwall forged ahead in the 108th minute, Steve Morison sweeping the ball in after his initial header rebounded off a post. However, a fine finish by substitute Steven Davies six minutes from time evened things up and eased tensions for Clough whose task is to guide the club away from the relegation places.
The ground's Starbucks coffee outlet was shut because the visit of Millwall merited a category C alert. A cup of cheer, perhaps, but not of latte, obviously.
Derby County (4-4-2): Bywater; Green, Addison, Buxton, Moxey; Croft, Savage, Pearson, Johnson; Porter, Commons. Subs: Deeney (g), Connolly, McEveley, Hulse, Teale, Barker, Davies. Booked: Pearson
Millwall (4-4-2): Forde; Smith, Robinson, Ward, Frampton; Hackett, Laird, Abdou, Martin; Grabban, Morison. Subs: Sullivan (g), Dunne, Schofield, Barron, Grimes, Fuseini, Price
Referee: D Foster (Tyne and Wear).
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