Bristol City’s Max Bird (centre) scores their side’s second goal of the game against Wrexham during the Sky Bet Championship match at Ashton Gate, Bristol.

Derby County favourite Max Bird did his old club a massive favour as his goal of the season contender rescued a point for Bristol City against Wrexham – and kept the Rams in the top six.

Ex-Rams midfielder Bird struck an outstanding volley with one minute remaining of the Championship clash with his effort flying off the underside of the crossbar.

Ollie Rathbone had struck to give Wrexham the lead in the first half but City drew level after the break when Sinclair Armstrong stuck his fourth goal of the season.

A Joe Williams own goal put the visitors back in front until Bird lashed in from a cross from Jason Knight, another product of the Derby academy.

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Both City and Wrexham could have moved into the top six with a win, but the point keeps Derby in the play-off positions ahead of the trip to Watford at the weekend.

City boss Gerhard Struber said: “We can not be happy with our first half, we were far away from our typical play. The boys realised it at half time.

“We had to change the behaviour and the reaction was really good, from the subs and the whole team. The second half was much more brave and forward thinking.

“We would need also the referee on a good level, but today he was really unlucky with so many decisions, especially at the end when it’s so crystal clear. Also his assistant could help him sometimes.

“This is really painful in the end.”

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson added: “First half, I thought it was an outstanding performance. We had complete control in the game. They surprised us, they sat off the ball and we passed it with real quality and we got the moment.

“There was always going to be a change of dynamic after the break. We made one slight technical error and it ends up in the back of the net.

“Then we’ve come back into the game again, gone 2-1 up and had an incredible chance to take the game completely away from them.

“The lad’s (Max Bird) scored a goal he’ll probably never score again against a 6ft 7in keeper, he’s volleyed the ball in off the bar. Sometimes you can’t legislate for that.”