Why Derby County fans will love what happened in Bristol City v Wrexham | OneFootball

The Rams maintained their grip on the top six on Tuesday evening as Bristol City came from behind to take a point off of Wrexham.

Derby County kept hold of their spot in the Championship play-off places on Tuesday evening, as Bristol City came from behind to draw 2-2 with Wrexham at Ashton Gate.

A victory for either side would have seen them rise into the top six and take the Rams' position, and it was the away side who looked the most likely to do so as they took the lead in the 34th minute through Oliver Rathbone, with the Robins' defending coming into question once again.

Sinclair Armstrong equalised just after the break, but his side was unable to find a second goal before the Red Dragons, as Joe Williams was forced to turn the ball into the back of his own net with 14 minutes of regulation time left.

Nevertheless, Bristol City once again levelled, and for supporters of Derby, it's a goal that they will cherish for not only keeping them in the top six, but also due to the two players who combined to score it.

Derby County fans will have a lot of love for Max Bird's strike for Bristol City v Wrexham

Wrexham will be extremely disappointed to have missed out on making it five successive away victories in a row in the Championship, but for the Rams, it was the perfect result.

Jason Knight's excellent cross was met by a stunning Max Bird volley to ensure that the points were shared at Ashton Gate.

Both players came through the ranks at Derby, with Knight departing the club in the summer of 2023, while his Robins teammate made the switch a few months later - although he did see the 2023/24 campaign out at Pride Park on loan.

Despite their allegiances having now switched, it was a goal that helped their former club, much to the delight of RamsTalk Podcast, who wrote on X: "Knight and Bird combining to stop Wrexham going above Derby! Once a Ram... 🐑"

It was Bird's first appearance since September, and his strike could prove vital in the race for the play-offs, and his former club will be especially pleased with his performance.

Max Bird has already played a crucial role in one Derby County promotion

While the 25-year-old has spent the majority of the campaign watching on from the sidelines due to injury, this is the perfect time for him to return and Bristol City are a much better side with him in their midfield, and Gerhard Struber will be especially pleased.

However, his return also came at the perfect time for Derby and they have first-hand experience of just how crucial he can be to a team in the hunt for promotion and the play-offs.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Bird scored the first goal on the final day of the season for the Rams as the East Midlands outfit beat Carlisle United 2-0 at Pride Park to secure their return to the Championship.

While his goal on Tuesday was not quite as important, if Derby do end the season in the play-off places by a point to Wrexham, they may have to thank their former number eight once again.