DERBY boss Jim Smith admitted he feared the worst when Bjorn Bragstad sent Alan Mahon crashing to the floor as he burst into the box during a frantic finale at Ewood on Saturday.

But referee Roy Pearson waved away Rovers' penalty appeals following the 80th minute incident.

And former Ewood chief Smith later applauded the decision which meant struggling County lived to fight another day.

"The referee improved the longer the game went on," said Smith.

"From where I was sat, I wouldn't have been surprised if the referee had given it and I've got to admit my heart was in my mouth.

"But the TV boys tell me Bjorn clearly took the ball so the referee got it right."

Rovers had started as clear favourites to book a place in the fifth round with Smith robbed of some of his most influential players.

Then a further six of his squad were struck down by a bout of sickness in the early hours of Saturday morning but the resilient Rams dug deep to earn another bite of the cherry.

"We had to dig deep and I'm happy to take them back to our place for a replay," said Smith.

"It was a good defensive performance, especially after the lack of sleep some of my players got the night before.

"I had to send the kit man home because he went down with it but I didn't know the players had been affected until after the game.

"So, with that in mind, we did well to get something.

"The replay won't be easy, though, because Blackburn are a good side with a lot of talent.

"They'll also enjoy playing on our pitch because it wasn't easy to knock the ball around out there.

"We know they're on a good run, they're winning games and they are playing with a lot of confidence.

"So they'll come to our place with nothing to lose.

"But, hopefully, we'll have some of our players back by then and it should be a good contest."