Derby County faced Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this lunchtime as they went in search of a much-needed win after a dismal start to the season

Ten-man Derby County had to survive a late onslaught against Sheffield United to secure a point at Bramall Lane which saw Dion Sanderson sent off in the second half.

But the game turned on its head when Sanderson was sent off in the 66th minute for two bookable offences leaving Derby without a recognised centre-back on the pitch until Jack Robinson came off the bench.

Derby's resistance was broken when Patrick Bamford scored and it required some superb saves from Jacob Widell Zetterstrom to keep them level.

That was in stark contrast to the first half when Derby almost forced themselves ahead after a quiet 20 minutes when Bobby Clark drove a shot from the edge of the area that was turned around the post by Michael Cooper.

That was greeted by large roars in the away end as Derby then created a golden opportunity when Henrik Meister had beaten the offside trap to leave him clean through on goal.

But Cooper came rushing off his line and that was enough to thwart the striker who was proving to be a willing runner for the visitors.

Derby may have wondered if they would have paid for that miss, but with their very next attack they were ahead when Meister did well to hold off challenge that allowed Morris to find Smzodics.

The striker charged forward and found Hedges whose shot hit the foot of the post but Clark collected the rebound and with a few bodies ahead of him, thundered a terrific finish into the top corner.

Derby's hopes of holding onto a victory were given a setback midway through the second half when Dion Sanderson picked up a second yellow card and was dismissed leaving Derby facing a nervy finish.

Their resistance was broken when Romelle Donavan crossed to the back post which allowed Patrick Bamford to force across the line. That set up a tense finale and Zetterstrom was forced to make a terrific save to deny Tyrese Campbell.

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: Seemed to be stuck to his line for the goal when he could have seemingly ploughed through to claim the ball. Made an astonishing save to deny Campbell in stoppage time and then thwart Peck. 7

Joe Ward: Produced a handful of excellent crosses that nearly brought Derby some reward and he didn't give Ben Brereton Diaz much joy at all in the first half. 6

Ryan Nyambe: A booking in the first half for a shirt pull put him on a tightrope, but fair play to the ex-Wigan and Blackburn defender, he managed that well and had to defend for his life late on. 8

Dion Sanderson: Had to deal with Tom Cannon and Patrick Bamford at times, but the former Birmingham man never gave them any encouragement in the first half. Was sent off for two bookable offences, although the first one stemmed from a terrible pass from Zetterstrom. Shame. 5

Ryan Hedges: Has adapted to the role of left-back magnificently and was instrumental in the goal as his shot hit the foot of the post that led to Clark scoring. Had an outstanding game at left-back. 8.5

David Ozoh: Got ridiculously penalised for shrugging off a challenge in the first half, but was really strong in the middle of the park and was cute in possession. Had to watch United dominate the ball after the sending off. 6

Bobby Clark: After a couple of disappointing performances recently, Clark was back to his old self as he popped up with a terrific finish and he also forced a good save from Michael Cooper. 7

Sam Szmodics: By and large the striker always turns up wherever you play him. His pass into Hedges in the build-up to the goal was expertly weighted. Worked hard. Had to be sacrifced after the red card. 6

Rhian Brewster: Clipped some lovely balls into the forward areas and a lovely bit of skill forced a shirt pull from Harrison Burrows that should have been punished with a yellow card. 6

Carlton Morris: The striker was a handful for the United defence and had the beating of them in the aerial exchanges. Won his flick-ons and did the dirty work. Had to play centre-back at the end and won headers. 7

Henrik Meister: Could have scored when he went through in the first half, but couldn't beat Cooper. Didn't give Choudhury a moment's peace in the first half. Went off injured. 7

Subs

Max Johnston (Brewster 73): Had to defend. 5

Jack Robinson (Szmodics 73): Made some important headers. 5.5

Oscar Fraulo (Meister 73): Barely touched the ball. 5

Lars-Jorgen Salvesen (Ward 81): Had a couple of touches.

Filip Bilbija (Ozoh 90): Made one big clearance. N/A