Rooney steers Derby to safety as Sheff Weds, Rotherham go down
Wayne Rooney’s Derby County avoided Championship relegation at the expense of Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday after the pair drew 3-3 in a dramatic final-day clash at Pride Park.
Derby grabbed a crucial point in a see-saw clash with their relegation rivals, which meant Darren Moore’s side were relegated into League One. Martyn Waghorn held his nerve to score the penalty which saved Derby from the drop.
Waghorn also headed an equaliser after Sam Hutchinson put Wednesday ahead in first-half stoppage time before Patrick Roberts gave Derby the lead.
Callum Paterson levelled and Julian Borner restored Wednesday’s lead but Waghorn had the final say when substitute Kamil Jozwiak was fouled by Chey Dunkley.
Wednesday had been boosted by the sight of Darren Moore in the technical area for the first time since his recovery from Covid-19. But ultimately it was not enough for Wednesday, who had six points deducted surrounding the sale of Hillsborough.
Wednesday threw everything forward, but Derby held on to secure their Championship status and condemn the Owls to League One.
Rotherham were also relegated back to League One after Marlon Pack’s late equaliser denied them Championship survival.
Lewis Wing’s stunning volley looked as if it was going to be enough to seal safety for the Millers, while Derby and Sheffield Wednesday battled to a draw.
But Pack struck late to seal a 1-1 draw for the Bluebirds, which sealed an immediate return to the third tier for the South Yorkshire side as Rooney’s Derby survived by the skin of their teeth.
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