A goal from David Livermore two minutes from time saw the Tigers hold Championship leaders Derby County to a 2-2 draw at Pride Park.

The point  lifts the Tigers out of the bottom three while the Rams are denied a club record equalling ninth win in a row.

City had been behind twice in the game but a stunning free kick from Andy Dawson and a volley from Livermore saw them claim a deserved point.

Phil Brown made three changes to his starting line up on his return to his former club.

With Ian Ashbee and Dean Marney ruled out by suspension and injury respectively, Danny Coles and John Welsh came into the side, with Coles also being handed the role of captain. New signing Ray Parlour had to make do with a place on the bench.

The third change came up front as Stephen McPhee returned from injury in place of Dean Windass who dropped to the bench.

City began by conceding two free kicks in the opening minute, which led to David Livermore being spoken to by the referee.

Derby then won two corners in quick succession as the City defence was put under some early pressure, but twice Steve Howard sliced efforts high into the sky.

City almost created a chance as Welsh and Nicky Forster led a counter attack before Derby won two more corners.

From the second, Howard glanced a header just wide but play had already been stopped by the referee for a City free kick.

The Tigers won their first corner on 17 minutes. Livermore's delivery was headed to the edge of the area where Welsh saw his shot charged down.

Boaz Myhill was forced into a save as Howard met Gary Teale's cross before McPhee brought a save out of Stephen Bywater at the other end.

Derby went in front in the 28th minute, although strangely it came from City missing an opportunity at the other end.

Livermore's deep corner was headed back into the middle by Damien Delaney for Coles, who saw his volley blocked on the line. A mad goalmouth scramble followed before Derby managed to counter attack.

The ball eventually found its way to Teale who produced a cool finish from eight yards.

City won a free kick 25 yards from goal on 33 minutes when Jon Parkin was pulled down and from it they equalised, Andy Dawson [pictured] sending one of his trademark set-pieces into the top corner of the net to beat Ex-Tiger Stephen Bywater.

It was the first time Derby had conceded a goal in the league since January 1st and they looked to respond, but again the Tigers defended a corner well.

Welsh was booked after a challenge on Marc Edworthy as City set about their opponents.

The home side should have been back in front four minutes before the break as Stephen Pearson met a left wing cross unmarked with his head, but Myhill produced a fantastic save with his legs before Giles Barnes blasted the rebound over.

Derby retook the lead in added time when David Jones swung a corner in from the right and Darren Moore headed into the corner of the net.

Half Time: Derby 2-1 Tigers.

City began the second half by winning a corner. Livermore's kick was defended at the back post, but at the expense of another corner. This time it was cleared more effectively.

Derby then won a corner of their own but Parkin performed his defensive duties well.

Forster had two efforts on goal in the 56th minute. His first flew high and wide before his second, an acrobatic effort, went just past the far post.

Derby won a free kick by the corner flag on 59 minutes when Teale was brought down by Livermore. They opted to play a low ball in, but pressure from the City defence saw the danger cleared.

City made a double change on 62 minutes. Dean Windass came on for Parkin while Ray Parlour, wearing the No. 14 shirt, made his debut in place of Welsh.

McPhee wasted a good opportunity when he met Forster's pull-back, sending a volley almost out of the stadium.

Delaney was shown a yellow card on 71 minutes after a rash challenge on Jones as City looked to lift the tempo.

City won a corner on 74 minutes. Livermore's delivery was good, but well cleared by the home defence.

The Tigers made their final change 14 minutes from time as Stuart Elliott replaced McPhee.

Derby substitute Jon Macken almost caught out Myhill with a near post shot, but the City keeper recovered to push it round the post.

Parlour had a chance to make it a dream debut when confusion in the home defence left Bywater hopelessly out of position, but the midfielder produced a weak shot as Derby got back in numbers.

City equalised two minutes from time with a flowing move. Windass played Sam Ricketts in down the right. He exchanged passes with Elliott before crossing for David Livermore [pictured] to volley home with his right foot.

The 1,400 City fans were loving it, but there was still work to do as Derby piled forward in the closing stages.

But City stood firm to claim a well deserved point.

Tigers (4-3-3) Boaz Myhill; Sam Ricketts, Michael Turner, Damien Delaney, Andy Dawson; John Welsh (Parlour 62), Danny Coles [captain], David Livermore; Stephen McPhee (Elliott 76), Jon Parkin (Windass 62), Nicky Forster.

Subs: Matt Duke, Ray Parlour, Stuart Elliott, Dean Windass, Darryl Duffy.

Bookings: Welsh 37, Delaney 72

Derby County (4-5-1) Stephen Bywater; Marc Edworthy, Darren Moore, Dean Leacock, Jay McEveley; Gary Teale (Macken 73), Matt Oakley [captain] (Bisgaard 83), Stephen Pearson, David Jones, Giles Barnes (Lupoli 89); Steve Howard.

Subs: Michael Johnson, Morten Bisgaard, Jon Macken, Arturo Lupoli, Tyrone Mears.

Bookings: Oakley 82

Attendance: 28,140 (including 1,399 visiting supporters)