A late equaliser from Darren Bent has given Derby County a 1-1 draw with Brentford in the Championship this afternoon.

Thomas Ince had a couple of chances in the opening two minutes for Derby, with the midfielder just firing wide from a free kick, before David Button kept his curling effort out after a ball forward from Lee Grant.

Brentford's first chance of the match came 15 minutes in when Jota headed the ball on for Moses Odubajo, but his powerful strike was punched clear by Lee Grant.

The visitors continued to look the more dangerous as half time approached, and they opened the scoring when Alex Pritchard cut inside from the left flank before driving into the bottom corner.

Pritchard wanted a second before the break as he tried his luck from range, but Grant watched it all the way to make a comfortable save.

The Bees could have doubled their advantage at the start of the second half when Andre Gray was found by a through-ball, but his effort was deflected behind, while another chance moments later for the striker also missed the target.

Brentford continued to apply the pressure though, and were through again just before the hour mark as Alan Judge controlled a high ball out from the back on the edge of the box, but he scuffed the volley well wide.

Richard Keogh had to make a goalline clearance to keep Derby in contention when Jota crossed the ball in to Jonathan Douglas, but the midfielder was on the post to boot it clear.

Gray continued to cause problems for the hosts as Stuart Dallas crossed the ball in to him, but his header was high of the crossbar.

Zak Whitbread came off the bench late of for Derby and came close to equalising for the hosts when he tried to smash the ball in from an Ince cross, but Button was able to tip it behind.

However, the home side finally got back on level terms deep in stoppage time when Bent helped a mis-hit effort from Jeff Hendrick into the back of the net.

The late goal keeps Derby ahead of Brentford in the table, with Steve McClaren's side sitting fifth, one spot above Brentford.