DERBYSHIRE opener Wayne Madsen stood in the way of an injury-hit Surrey claiming a much needed Championship victory going into the final day at Chesterfield.

Derbyshire closed day three on 136-1, with first innings centurion Madsen well set on 55, needing another 272 to reach their victory target of 408.

After starting the day on 50-1, Surrey were bowled out for 253, Andre Nel, batting at nine, top scoring with 35.

Surrey were still favourites to win their second County Championship match of the season, but had lost seamer Tim Linley with a damaged right foot, while South African fast bowler Nel and spinner Gareth Batty are also carrying injuries.

Mark Ramprakash narrowly failed to become the first player in the country to score 1,000 runs in Surrey's second innings. Needing only 17 to achieve the milestone for the 20th time in his career he added six to his overnight 24.

Tim Groenewald and slow left-arm spinner Robin Peterson ended with three wickets apiece as Surrey, who had piled up 391 in the first innings, were reined in second time around.

The Surrey bowlers then picked up just one wicket before the close, Gareth Batty dismissing home skipper Chris Rogers.