Conor McKerr and Tony Palladino took two wickets apiece, but a century from Rob Newton has put Northamptonshire on top after Day Two at The County Ground, Northampton.
Derbyshire lost their last three wickets for 24 runs on the second morning to be dismissed for 176, a first innings deficit of 42. Alex Hughes top scored with an unbeaten 62.
Luis Reece was unable to bat after he was kept overnight at Kettering General Hospital for further monitoring after complaining of breathing difficulties on Friday. He was feeling much better on Saturday, but remained under observation as a precaution.
Newton led the hosts’ second innings with 108, while Alex Wakely hit 79 as the Northamptonshire batsmen dominated the rest of the day to close on 247-4 – a lead of 289.
Tony Palladino said: “They’ll be the happier group but there’s still the odd ball in the wicket so we’ve got to come and fight for our lives tomorrow.
“We’ve probably not bowled as well as we could have done at the start – they were 70, 80 for none quite quickly. We’ve come back well but they’re in the box seats.
“The wicket has flattened out – not as much sideways movement as the first innings – but enough there to keep you interested.”
After a watchful start to the day, Derbyshire lost their first wicket when Tom Taylor was bowled by Sanderson for 10 to end a 59-run stand with Hughes for the seventh wicket.
The final two wickets fell in quick succession as Palladino was caught behind for four, before Conor McKerr was run out without scoring. With Reece unable to bat, Derbyshire were all out for 176.
The rest of the day belonged to the Northamptonshire batsmen as they put their side firmly in control of the match.
The opening pair put on 92 before Max Holden was first man out, lbw to McKerr (2-46) for 31. The fall of the wicket didn’t slow the hosts, however, as the new pair added a further 133 to take their side past 200.
Opener Newton led the way with some nice strokes and brought up his century off 189 balls, including 10 fours, before he was finally dismissed, lbw to Palladino (2-59), for 108 – with Northamptonshire 225-2.
Derbyshire did enjoy some more success before stumps. Palladino had Alex Wakely caught behind for 79, before McKerr bowled Rob Keogh in the next over for five, but Northamptonshire ended the day in a strong position closing on 247-4.
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[twentyticket]
