From the Banks's Stadium

Derby's reserve league cup campaign continued with a hard-earned 2-2 draw away to Walsall in an entertaining encounter.

The home side found themselves in front on ten minutes when they opened the scoring from a source familiar to Derby fans.

Youngster Ishmel Demontangac was hauled down on a dangerous run some 25 yards out and up stepped Marco Reich to power home the resulting free-kick against his old club.

The former German international found himself cautioned for celebrating after hauling off his shirt in a rather over-the-top fashion.

Ryan Connolly saw an effort deflected over as Derby, fielding a side including three full internationals, were denied a quick response.

And they were level on 22, though it was hard on Rhys Weston who unfortunately turned a delightful Ruben Zadkovich cross past his own goalkeeper.

Both sides were looking to build on victories in their opening group games and saw shots blocked before Gary Teale came inside on to his left foot and curled in a fine effort that Albin Katjezovic did well to stretch and save.

But clear chances were few and far between at both ends of the field, though Reich did flash a shot wide of the far post shortly before the interval.

Derby almost opened the second half with the second goal of the game as Aleksander Prijovic stole in on Greg Mills's fine through ball.

This time, however, Katjezovic was out to save well - and Walsall made Derby pay on 49 minutes.

Reich was the creator with an inviting left-wing corner for Manny Smith to reach and power home his header from close-range.

A fine Ross Atkins save prevented Will Grigg from making it 3-1 soon afterwards.

Prijovic had the ball in the back of the net on 54 with a composed finish after Gary Teale's scuffed shot found his way, but the flag went up to pull him back for offside.

Then the combination reversed as Prijovic fed Teale, but the Scottish international smashed his 20-yard shot well wide from the edge of the box.

Sam Adkins might have made it three for the home side after a fine move, while Ruben Zadkovich also saw a shot deflected wide.

But the Australian was on the mark with 24 minutes of the second period gone as he dived in to head home his first goal in a Derby shirt.

Teale and substitute Matthew Richards were involved and it was Richards' cross that was finished off by Zadkovich from close range.

That was Zadkovich's last action of note as he was replaced six minutes later by French youngster Arnaud Mendy.

And Derby really should have been in front for the first time with 11 on the clock.

Teale and Prijovic linked well with the youngster pulling the ball back for Richards, who had all of the goal to aim at from just seven yards but planted his shot over the bar.

Derby ended strongly and might have snatched all three points right at the death.

Prijovic embarked on a long run forward and he was caught in the act of feeding Richards, who stabbed the ball home, but the referee pulled play back for a free-kick right on the edge of the box.

Kazmierczak's effort was blocked by the defensive wall - and that was that for the game, leaving everything to play for going in to the final round of group games in November.

Walsall: Albin Katjezovic, Darryl Westlake, Netan Sansara, Sam Adkins, Manny Smith, Rhys Weston, Marco Reich, Josh Craddock (Joseph Howes 82), Troy Deeney, Will Grigg, Ishmel Demontagnac.

Substitutes: Tom Cox (GK), Mark Lowe, Niklas Gunnarson, Jon Patrick.

Derby: Ross Atkins, Alex Forde, Mark Dudley, Ruben Zadkovich (Arnaud Mendy 75), Luke Garton, Mitch Hanson, Gary Teale, Przemyslaw Kazmierczak, Aleksander Prijovic, Ryan Connolly (Matthew Richards 60), Greg Mills.

Substitutes: James Severn (GK), Jack Booth, Kamahl Whight.