Luis Reece (106) hit his third first-class century as Derbyshire recovered to close Day Three versus Durham on 305-6, trailing by just 11 runs.
With Derbyshire all out for 164 at the close on Day Two, Durham Captain Paul Collingwood enforced the follow-on and set a tough test for the visiting batsmen who faced a first innings shortfall of 316.
But the Derbyshire batsmen responded well with partnerships of 99 and 106 and, led by Reece, closed the day having reduced the deficit to 11 runs with four wickets remaining going into the final day.
Opening the innings Ben Slater (57) and Reece got off to a good start, seeing off the new ball and picking off the bad deliveries to guide Derbyshire towards lunch.
But two wickets for one run just before the interval, first Slater after reaching a 19th first-class half-century, then Billy Godleman meant the session was shared.
Reece continued to anchor the innings after lunch and shared the day’s highest partnership with Wayne Madsen when the pair put on 106 for the third wicket, including an upper-cut six from Madsen.
He was out two short of a half-century, caught by Michael Richardson off Cameron Steel, but shortly after Reece reached his well-made century by hitting his 12th four.
He was eventually out for 106, caught by Jack Burnham off Keaton Jennings, and with the score 257-4 Durham regained control of the match.
After weathering an early storm with the new ball, two quick wickets fell as Matt Critchley (19) and Alex Hughes (39) were both lbw, leaving Derbyshire six down and trailing by 18 runs.
Harvey Hosein and Tony Palladino were not out at the close, Derbyshire ending a much-improved day on 305-6, set to resume on the final day trailing by 11 runs.
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