A goal on 84 minutes from David Ball earned Peterborough United a point on the final day of the season at Pride Park as Derby County missed a host of chances.

Posh made a bright start with Lee Tomlin showing good composure to burst through midfield, but his 25-yard shot was dragged just past the post.

Goalkeeper Paul Jones produced a stunning stop to deny Steve Davies on nine minutes, diving to his left to claw the ball away from danger. Jones was at it again moments later, denying Davies' 30-yard low free-kick with a fine save.

A good run to the by-line by Paul Taylor produced an opportunity for Tyrone Barnett, but he stabbed his volley straight at goalkeeper Legzdins. On 22 minutes, Derby got themselves 1-0 ahead as a cross from the left by Tyson was guided home at the near post by Theo ROBINSON, the third time he had found the net against Posh this season.

The Rams had appeals for a spot-kick turned down on 27 minutes as Boyd appeared to tug down Tyson, but the referee waved away the protests. Jones then beat away a long-range drive from Bryson as Derby pressed.

On 37 minutes, Zakuani glanced a header over the top after McCann's free-kick had struck the wall. On 42 minutes, a powerful drive from 30-yards from Tomlin whistled inches past the upright as Posh came close to a leveller.

Half-time: Derby County 1-0 Posh

Neither side made any changes at the break and it was Derby who made a decent opening, Bryson firing over the top from 25-yards. McCann and Alcock both saw shots blocked moments later as the second half started in end to end fashion.

The Rams had the ball in the back of the net on 50 minutes as Tyson finished from close-range, but the offside flag cut short any celebrations. A minute later, Hendrick fired wide from distance after being afforded time and space 25-yards from goal.

Kgosi Nthle was cautioned immediately following his introduction for a foul, Daniel Kearns also brought on with Taylor and Newell replaced. David Ball replaced Barnett on 62 minutes as Darren Ferguson completed his substitutions.

On 72 minutes, Jones made a decent stop to deny a curler from Robinson after Boyd had been dispossessed. Derby introduced teenager Mason Bennett on 73 minutes with the goal-scorer Robinson replaced.

Tomlin dragged a left-foot shot wide on 75 minutes after cutting inside as Posh nearly caught the hosts cold on the counter-attack. McCann saw a left-footed free-kick beaten away by Legzdins 12 minutes from time.

On 81 minutes, Posh found an equaliser as substitute David BALL produced a superb finish into the top corner past Legzdins after a clever through ball from McCann.

On 88 minutes, Posh came close to an unlikely winner as Tomlin fed Boyd, whose powerful drive struck the angle of post and crossbar. It would have been fairytale ending should he depart in the summer.
 
Final Score: Derby County 1-1 Posh

Derby: Legzdins, Brayford, Bryson (sub Bailey 86min), Buxton, Shackell, Davies, Roberts, Robinson (sub Bennett 73min), Tyson, Hendrick, Hughes (sub Carroll 82min). Unused subs: Lelan, Thomas.

Posh: Jones, Little, Alcock, Zakuani, Rowe, McCann, Newell (sub Nthle 56min), Boyd, Tomlin, Taylor (sub Kearns 56min), Barnett (sub Ball 62min). Unused subs: Grant, Brisley.

Attendance: 27,354 (1,741 Posh fans)