A Matt Smith equaliser ended an amazing 10-game losing streak against promotion chasing Derby County.

Leeds ended a disappointing 2013/14 campaign with a draw against bogey-side Derby County.

Having ended one long-standing hoodoo at Barnsley a fortnight ago, the Whites may well have fancied a double-exorcism given that Steve McClaren's side have a play off date on Thursday with Brighton, however the Derby boss named a strong side with Craig Bryson and Jake Buxton dropping to the bench.

Given the usual hyperbole that surrounds this fixture dating back to the 1970's, McClaren obviously hasn't paid much attention to " The Damned United" where Dirty Leeds kicked poor Derby off the park ahead of a crucial European cup tie for the Rams. However despite Will Hughes underlining his reputation as the Championship's most protected player, Dirty Leeds actually committed one foul less than their opponents from the East Midlands.

A minutes silence was impeccably observed in honour of teacher Ann Maguire, who tragically lost her life in Leeds earlier this week. It is customary for the club to mark the final game of the season with a minutes applause in memory of Leeds supporters who have died during the season however the poignancy of events at Corpus Christi College meant today's tribute reverted to the more traditional minutes' silence.

Unfortunately we were a goal down inside six minutes and the Leeds fans were left fuming as the Jeff Hendrix, who appeared to be two yards offside saw his shot stopped by Butland but in the mad scramble Simon Dawkins nodded the ball into the whites' net cue celebrations from the sell-out away end cheering on their heroes who wore a strange burgundy coloured away kit.

The injustice of the offside decision prompted a chorus of "The Football League's Corrupt" from three-quarters of the stadium which has become a popular ditty following Massimo Cellino's successful appeal over the ruling bodies initial decision not to pass him as a fit and proper owner.

With 11 on the clock Conor Sammon should have put the Rams 2-0 up but pulled his shot wide, however Leeds pulled their finger out and Lee Grant was kept busy with a succession of chances from Matt Smith, Scott Wootton and 37-year-old Michael Brown in probably his last game for the club and my choice today for man of the match rolling back the years with an intriguing battle in midfield with the 19-year old Hughes, a player almost half his age!

Ross McCormack tried his luck to reach the 30-goal-mark with an intriguing chip and there were strong shouts for a penalty when Richard Keogh appeared to handle Michael Tonge's drive, but typically these were waved away by hapless ref James Linington who's performance inspired more choruses from the stand about the integrity of the Football League.

However a warm ovation greeted the team as they left the field. McDermott replaced the ineffectual Murphy with Aiden White who operated on the left flank and brought some pace to the side.

If today proved the 30-goal milestone would elude McCormack, he at least turned provider for Matt Smith's 13th of the season when five minutes after the restart the Scot's pinpoint pass picked out the big ex Oldham striker who cooly clipped the ball past Lee Grant for the equaliser.

Smith had a good shout for a penalty turned down moments later and McCormack had two further opportunities to hit 30 but a fizzling free kick and a header from Pugh's cross, Pugh himself going close drew fine saves from Grant.

McCormack's name was on the lips of the United faithful as they did their end of season so of "honour" to bring the curtain down on a season which promised much but delivered little. The Leeds skipper also engaged in a cute kick-a-bout with his son Layton. Meanwhile Brian McDermott got a very warm reception from the Kop End when fans opinion polls and radio phone ins appear to be divided on his future.

However my gut feeling is our top-scorer and captain is bound for a Premier League club in the summer and McDermott will also be relieved of his duties, despite Massimo Cellino saying the appointment of compatriot Benito Carbone is for the youth development structure.

Photo: Action Images

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