Tight clash at Chelmsford
Middlesex lost three wickets and made 89 runs as their LV County Championship Second Division clash with Essex at Chelmsford remained tightly poised.
The visiting side held a 95-run first-innings lead but slipped to 98 for six at lunch as Essex continued to pick up regular scalps following Andre Nel's three-wicket burst on Thursday night.
James Middlebrook removed Billy Godleman (28) and Eoin Morgan (25), while Ed Joyce was trapped leg before by Tony Palladino for nine.
Derbyshire had some hard work in front of them as they looked to build a lead over Warwickshire at Derby.
Ant Botha and Darren Maddy each struck to leave the hosts on 61 for two - 21 ahead at the break - but Chris Rogers was also in the pavilion having retired hurt for 10.
