A last-gasp equaliser ended the Reds' recent run of defeats with Barnsley earning a deserved share of the spoils against the Rams.
Aapo Halme’s bullet header opened the scoring early on in the first half, but a goal from Chris Martin and a penalty from Tom Huddlestone put Derby ahead going into half-time.
Head Coach Daniel Stendel made two changes to the side that started in the 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Sunday as Jordan Williams and Mike Bähre returned to the line-up in place of Dimitri Cavaré and Luke Thomas.
As for Derby, Phillip Cocu’s team arrived at Oakwell basking in good form, as they lost just one of their last five Championship outings
However, it was Barnsley who came out the blocks quickly and looked the most likely to score early on.
Cauley Woodrow had the first real opportunity nine minutes in when Conor Chaplin picked him out perfectly with a square pass from the left. The striker got to the ball first but couldn’t direct his effort on target.
The Reds were injected with positive energy from their encouraging start and as a result, deservedly took the lead in the 12th minute when big defender Aapo Halme rose highest in the area to nod home an Alex Mowatt free-kick.
Derby looked to hit back straight away though as veteran centre back Curtis Davis found space in the six-yard box, but he mistimed his header and the ball dropped wide of the post.
However, the Rams pressure did eventually see them get back on level terms when Chris Martin stabbed a shot into the back of the net from close range 34 minutes in.
Then, just ten minutes later, County were awarded a penalty as referee Tony Harrington adjudged Tom Lawrence to have been fouled inside the area.
Experienced midfielder Tom Huddlestone stepped up to take the spot-kick and sent Brad Collins the wrong way, as he rolled the ball into the bottom left corner.
HALF-TIME: BARNSLEY 1-2 DERBY COUNTY
As the teams emerged after the break, Bähre had a good chance for the Reds when he turned and shot on the edge of the penalty area. His effort had Kelle Roos in the Derby goal scrambling as he made a decent save down to his left.
Just past the hour mark, Woodrow, fresh from scoring a wonder goal at the weekend, lined up another shot from distance, but this time, the goalkeeper was equal to it and was able to make the save.
Down the other end, Collins was also busy and had to be alert to deny Martyn Waghorn with his feet.
With 10 minutes to go, Mowatt went agonisingly close with a fantastic free-kick which was acrobatically tipped over the crossbar by Roos.
However, Barnsley showed fighting spirit and were rewarded when Chaplin fired the ball goalwards in stoppage time with Woodrow looking to get a touch, to earn the Reds a well-deserved point.
FULL-TIME: BARNSLEY 2-2 DERBY COUNTY
REDS XI: Collins, J. Williams (Thomas, 68), B. Williams, Andersen (Wilks, 74), Brown (Styles, 74), Woodrow, Bähre (C), Chaplin, Sibbick, Halme, Mowatt.
Unused Substitutes: Walton, Green, Schmidt, Pinillos.
DERBY COUNTY XI: Roos, Bielik, Paterson, Waghorn, Lawrence, Martin (Knight, 79), Holmes (Bennett, 89), Lowe, Davis (C), Bogle, Huddlestone (Clarke, 45).
Unused Substitutes: Hamer, Dowell, Jozefzoon, Malone.
