Essex's encounter with Derbyshire looks set to go the full four days with the sides neck and neck in the County Championship Division Two match.

By the close of play yesterday Essex were on 75-2 giving them a narrow lead over the home side.

The visitors will be looking to put on a big total and then bowl out Derbyshire to claim victory.

Despite losing William Jefferson (12) and John Stephenson (8) cheaply, Essex steadied the innings with Darren Robinson and Andy Flower.

Essex's opener Robinson is on 38 not out and is joined at the crease on Flower on 11.

Earlier in the day Essex had bowled out Derbyshire for 301 with a top score of Christopher Bassano who made 152.

Essex's best bowling figures came from James Middlebrook with 4-67

Essex had previously made 268 in their first innings.

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Published Thursday August 8, 2002