Daily Mirror
Lewis Grabban received a double nod of approval from his manager and strike partner after his rare headed goal earned Millwall a deserved replay.
The 21-year-old was deployed as a makeshift striker in the absence of the regular front pairing of Gary Alexander and Neil Harris, and his 50th minute header gave his side the lead, before Kris Commons levelled two minutes later for the visitors.
But after spurning a couple of chances prior to his goal, no one was more surprised than his fellow strike partner Steve Morison, when the Croydon born wideman rose in the box to put the Lions in front.
"He never does that," exclaimed Morison.
"We give him some stick in training because he doesn't like heading the ball, and never does it unless he has to, but it was a great header to be fair."
It was Grabban's first goal of the campaign, and the youngster had to bear the brunt of some of the home crowds frustration's after he skewed a golden chance in the first-half when Chris Hackett had played him through one-on-one.
But persistence, and maybe a New Years resolution, got him back on side with the supporters as he made amends in the most unlikeliest of fashions.
"Yeah I suppose he could have had a few more today if he had shown a bit more composure, and the fans may have been upset, but they just want us to do well and win, just like we do.
"Grabbs has come through that though, and now we're sat here talking about his goal instead of his misses," said Morison.
Grabban's manager was also encouraged with the performance of his temporary frontman, after calling in his programme notes for someone to step up and claim a regular spot alongside the in-form Morison.
"Steve and Lewis looked a good partnership, so we've got a lot to work with, and a lot to build on for the return tie," said Millwall manager Kenny Jackett.
"Grabban's running and pace worried Derby, and we've needed someone like him for some time to stretch people, so it'll be interesting how he develops, and whether he takes his oppourtunity.
"He has an eye for a goal, and what I consider to be some considerable assets to play in the forward role, so we'll see how he gets on in training and whether he can keep it."
County boss Nigel Clough was relieved to have earned the replay after the game, and praised his defenders for coping with the threat of Millwall's front pairing.
"I said to the centre halves that it would be a different proposition to Newcastle, as these strikers are very honest and whole hearted," said Clough.
"We definitely had our hands full because they put the ball in behind you and chase it, and even though they scored in the second half, we dealt with them much better.
"Steve Morison is a big lad, and when they throw the ball up to him, he's battling away and winning headers, just as we remember him at Stevenage.
"The only difference is that he didn't score against us today, and he always did at Stevenage."
www.derbycountyfc.co.uk
Kris Commons felt Derby County's 1-1 draw at Millwall on Saturday afternoon was a fair result.
The Rams and the Lions must lock horns again in the FA Cup a week on Tuesday at Pride Park Stadium for the right to take part in this season's Fourth Round of famous competition.
Commons struck the equaliser for Derby in the second half to cancel out Lewis Grabban's opener for the home side.
The Scotland international felt a draw was just about what both sides deserved and is confident the Rams can finish the job off in the replay.
"I think over the balance of the game it was a fair result, and although we survived a few skirmishes, we had chances of our own to win as well."
The Sun
Lewis Grabban's bullet header almost earned the Lions an FA Cup scalp - and turned a few heads in the process.
The Millwall hitman is not known for his aerial ability and got it in the neck off team-mates after his side pushed Championship strugglers Derby all the way at The Den.
Strike partner Steve Morison said: "Lewis never scores headers - if he doesn't have to, he won't head the ball in training.
"We gave him loads of stick after the game but, to be fair, it was a great goal. With a bit more composure he could've had a couple more."
The in-form Morison has seven goals in eight games and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet again.
His 78th-minute header was cleared off the line by Paul Green and then from the rebound, Morison saw his stinging effort cleared off the line again, this time by Paul Connolly.
Morison added: "It'll be a different game up there. Our fans are like a 12th man here, they help us out massively."
The 2004 finalists have been woeful on the road this season and Derby must fancy their chances.
Grabban's 49th-minute goal was cancelled out three minutes later by Kris Commons' deflected 25-yard shot.
Scotland midfielder Commons has just returned from injury and was critical of his performance.
He said: "There are aspects of my game that are not what they used to be. I've things to work on in training."
"I've had many battles down here in the past so I knew we were going to be in for a tough test.
"The Den is a place that gives you the frights."