On-the-whistle derby report: Rotherham United 2 Sheffield United 2

Never-say-die Rotherham United got the reward their derby bravery deserved as they snatched a stoppage-time equaliser in the South Yorkshire showdown with Sheffield United.
Michael Smith in derby actionMichael Smith in derby action
Michael Smith in derby action

The Millers looked to have cruelly lost a pulsating clash when Chris Basham put the visitors ahead in the 85th minute.

But Paul Warne's warriors, who'd created nearly all the game's best chances, don't know when they're beaten and substitute Jamie Proctor struck deep into time added on to send AESSEAL New York Stadium into raptures.

The Blades had taken an early lead through Mark Duffy but Man of the Match Jon Taylor rerstored parity in the 65th minute and the home side were pushing for a winner when Basham headed home.

Rotherham made a blistering start yet found themselves behind after eight minutes.

Richie Towell was denied after just 35 seconds by Dean Henderson's save and Taylor, who troubled the visitors throughout the first half, headed over from a good position in the seventh minute.

A minute later, Semi Ajayi played the Millers into trouble with a wayward short pass and Duffy skipped through to score a classy opener.

The home side were second best for the next half an hour but came back strongly towards the break.

Henderson had to be at his flying best to keep out Ajayi's 35th-minute header following a great cross from the left by Taylor and the little winger tested the Blades goalkeeper himself seconds after with a run and shot.

Towell and Will Vaulks combined close to the goalline to deny Chris Wilder's men as the interval approached. There was still time for the Millers to push again, with Ryan Williams and Towell shooting well wide and Taylor wreaking havoc but unable to find the final pass.

Rotherham were faster out of the blocks for the second half and Michael Smith headed wide as Towell whipped in a cross before Taylor sent a free-kick wastefully over the bar from a good position.

Marek Rodak saved from Duffy and then Henderson's reflex save thwarted Clark Robertson as the game went end to end.

Then came the equaliser and a thrilling finish to the match. 

Taylor and the Millers got what they deserved as the forward's deflected shot beat Henderson and Ajayi was twice close to putting Rotherham ahead before Basham popped up at the back post to convert Billy Sharp's cross.

Warne threw on his subs in a last-ditch bid to take something from the game and how his decision paid off as a Smith cross eventually fell to Proctor who glorously swept the ball home in front of an ecastic kop.

Rotherham (4-4-1-1): Marek Rodak; Zak Vyner, Semi Ajayi, Clark Robertson, Joe Mattock; Ryan Williams, Will Vaulks, Ryan Manning, Jon Taylor; Richie Towell; Michael Smith. Subs not used: Lewis Price, Richard Wood, Ben Wiles, Matt Palmer.

Subs: Joe Newell (for Manning, 62 minutes), Kyle Vassell (for Vyner, 87), Jamie Proctor (for Williams, 87).

Sheffield United (3-5-2): Dean Henderson; Chris Basham, John Egan, Jack O'Connell; Kieron Freeman, John Fleck, Oli Norwood, Enda Stevens, Mark Duffy; David McGoldrick, Billy Sharp. Subs not used: Simon Moore, George Baldock, Paul Coutts, Marvin Johnson, Conor Washington.

Subs: Leon Clarke (for McGoldrick, 62), Richard Stearman (for Duffy, 87), Marvin Johnson (for Sharp, 90).

Goals: Taylor 65, Proctor 90+2 (Rotherham); Duffy 8, Basham 85 (Sheffield United).

Attendance: 11,607 (2,601).

Referee: Peter Bankes (Merseyside).