Paul Connolly snatched a dramatic late equaliser to hand Derby a valuable point in their Coca-Cola Championship clash with play-off chasing Burnley.

Connolly's goal came in the third minute of injury-time when he met Gary Teale's cross with a fine diving header to claim his first goal for the club.

Chris McCann looked to have earned three points for Burnley when he opened the scoring shortly before the hour mark.

The midfielder was on hand to slot the ball home from six yards after Rams goalkeeper Steven Bywater failed to deal with a long ball into the penalty area.

Prior to the interval there had been numerous chances, with Teale proving a constant threat for Derby and Clarke Carlisle sending a looping header against the crossbar for the visitors.

Burnley remain fifth in the table following the result, while Derby are six points clear of the relegation zone, with games in hand on the majority of their rivals.

Nigel Clough made four changes to the Derby side which drew 0-0 with Barnsley prior to the international break.

Kris Commons returned following nearly six weeks out with a calf problem, while Jay McEveley, Stephen Pearson and Barry Bannan also came in to the starting XI.

Burnley boss Owen Coyle named an unchanged side for the third game in succession as his side went in search of a fifth win in their last six league games.

Derby were the first to threaten in the fifth minute and Jensen had to react well to tip away a 20-yard shot from Teale.

The Clarets responded almost immediately with Carlisle sending a header onto the bar from a Chris Eagles corner and Martin Paterson's follow-up forcing a fine save from Stephen Bywater.

Steven Caldwell headed over moments later as Derby struggled to deal with another corner.

The hosts then went close themselves after 21 minutes with the impressive Teale cutting in from the left before unleashing a fierce 25-yard drive that was palmed over by Jensen.

Soon after, Rob Hulse attempted to take the ball around Jensen only for the Burnley stopper to get a vital hand to the ball.

There were few further opportunities before the interval, although Derby appeared marginally the more likely to find a goal as the opening half drew to a close.

The second period started as the first ended, with neither side able to carve out a clear-cut chance.

However, when an opportunity did arrive, the visitors opened the scoring as McCann capitalised on Bywater's error to net his eighth goal of the season.

Teale fired wide from 18 yards as the Rams looked to get back on level terms, but they were unable to severely test the Clarets defence.

At the other end, Robbie Blake had a chance to double his side's lead, only to drag his shot wide from the edge of the area.

A raft of substitutions did little to lift the quality of attacking play and goalmouth action continued to be at a premium in the closing stages.

However, Derby refused to give up and Connolly's late header ensured they claimed a share of the spoils.

Teams:

Derby Bywater, Connolly, Albrechtsen, Nyatanga, McEveley, Bannan, Savage, Pearson (Kazmierczak 84), Teale, Hulse, Commons (Villa 75).

Subs Not Used: Price, Todd, Eustace.

Booked: Bannan.

Goals: Connolly 90.

Burnley Jensen, Williams, Carlisle, Caldwell, Kalvenes, Elliott, Alexander (Duff 81), McCann, Eagles (Gudjonsson 70), Paterson (Rodriguez 76), Blake.

Subs Not Used: Penny, McDonald.

Booked: Paterson.

Goals: McCann 59.

Att: 33,010

Ref: Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire).