Jamal Lowe’s late goal saw Sheffield Wednesday stun Derby 2-1 at Pride Park from behind.
Danny Roll’s side were long behind the second best when Ebu Adams fired the Rams early.
But after Barry Bannan’s memorable finish pulled Wednesday level, substitute Lowe ran in from close range in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal the points.
For the hosts, manager Paul Warne, who had seen Gerry Yates spurn a glorious chance just before Banan’s equaliser, it was a case of what might have been.
The derby got off to a flying start when Owls captain Bannan gave up the ball in midfield and allowed Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to whip a dangerous cross into the box.
Adams missed a thunderous effort from Marvin Johnson but recovered quickly to give Derby the lead in the 9th minute when Marcus Harness beat his marker to set up a spot which Adams powered home.
The Rams spurned the chance to double their lead when Craig Forsyth hit a first-time shot over the crossbar before Wednesday began to find their rhythm.
A period of pressure towards the end of the half saw goalkeeper Jacob Widel Zetterström finally spring into action to send a number of high balls into his own area.
Roll introduced Liam Palmer and Josh Windass at half-time and the latter’s presence created an opportunity for Anthony Musaba to try his luck after meeting Banana’s free-kick, but the Dutchman’s effort was high and wide.
Yates should have punished that miss but was unable to beat goalkeeper James Beadle from close range despite being unmarked.
Only the width of the crossbar prevented Warne’s side from putting the game to bed when Yates turned in Ben Osborne’s corner.
It was the impetus for Bannan to punish Derby’s sloppiness, curling a superb 64th-minute strike past Zetterstrom after the hosts failed to clear their lines.
Then, with almost the last shot of the game, Lowe fired home to shock the Rams.
The leaders
Derby Paul Warne.
Follow…
Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Roll.
Follow…