Derby County fightback sees Millwall slip into Championship drop zone

A second-half fightback from Derby County saw them draw 3-3 with Millwall at The Den and send the hosts back into the Championship drop zone.

Jesse Lingard fired in Derby's first effort of the afternoon on 12 minutes after cutting in from a wide position, but the on-loan Manchester United midfielder's strike was well blocked.

A quick counter from Millwall saw the ball fall to Aidan O'Brien, but his long-range effort was comfortably held by Derby keeper Lee Grant.

Lee Gregory gave the Lions the lead on 27 minutes when pounced on a sliced clearance from Grant to slot home.

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Gregory doubled his tally for the afternoon from the penalty spot on 36 minutes, after the referee blew for handball against Rams captain Richard Keogh.

Thomas Ince struck his 11th goal in 17 games when he curled home for Derby shortly before the break.

Gregory claimed his hat-trick five minutes into the second period, again from the penalty spot after the official had spotted some holding in the area.

There was another spot kick before 70 minutes when Ince's positive run ended with him being fouled, and Derby substitute Chris Martin netted his 21st goal of the campaign from 12 yards.

Jeff Hendrick made it 3-3 late on when he flashed home a volley to give the Rams a share of the spoils and keep his side inside the playoff places.