Derby draw reignites promotion playoff race
Derby County squandered its chance to consolidate a place in the EFL Championship play-offs after it was held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea City on Thursday (AEST).
Derby had the chance to all but secure its spot in the promotion playoffs, but Swansea was on hand to crash the party and set up an enthralling race for sixth spot which will be decided this weekend.
Both Bristol City and Middlesbrough could leapfrog Derby if it fails to beat West Brom on Sunday and Frank Lampard will be disappointed that his side failed to capitalise on a dominant first half at Liberty Stadium.
Richard Keogh broke the deadlock in the 21st minute to ensure Frank Lampard's men took a lead into half-time.
Swansea improved after the interval and substitute Jay Fulton blazed over the crossbar early in the second half as gaps started to appear in the Derby rearguard.
Routledge made no such mistake in the 66th minute, bundling the ball home after Ollie McBurnie's close-range header was parried onto the post by Kelle Roos to ensure the points were shared.
Sixth-placed Derby has 71 points after 45 matches, a point above Middlesbrough and two clear of Bristol City.
