Town tasted last-minute defeat for the second time in four days as Derby County came from behind to beat the Blues 2-1 at Portman Road. The Blues were deservedly in front after DJ Campbell claimed the second goal of his loan spell but Theo Robinson equalised before the break and sub Nathan Tyson netted the late winner.

Town boss Paul Jewell made one change from the side which lost at Hull on Saturday with Andy Drury coming into the midfield with Daryl Murphy dropping out of the 18. Drury started in the role behind lone striker DJ Campbell with Lee Martin wide on the left.

Keeper Stephen Henderson and midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker made their home debuts for the Blues, while Massimo Luongo again missed out on a place in the 18 with only five of the six domestic loanees allowed to be included.

Town started brightly and within a minute Martin had twisted and turned on the edge of the area, before hitting a low shot which Derby keeper Adam Legzdins saved down to his left. Drury could only divert the rebound over the bar when under pressure.

Cresswell forced Legzdins into another early save, the keeper again getting across to his left to push a low 30-yarder which had fizzed off the wet turf wide after a Blues freekick had been cleared.

The early stages were all Town with Jewell’s side keeping possession and moving the ball around confidently.

The Blues threatened again in the 10th minute when Emmanuel-Thomas caught former Blues academy schoolboy and ballboy Richard Keogh in possession on the edge of the area and, after exchanging passes with Campbell, hit a shot which Legzdins saved to his right. Campbell, who played eight games while on loan with Derby in 2009/10, following up blazed over.

On 15 Michael Jacobs curled a freekick wide for the visitors after Luke Chambers had blocked a run from Rams’ 17-year-old midfielder Will Hughes.

Derby had begun to get a foothold in the game after Town’s decent start and on 20 Jacobs, who was linked with the Blues in the summer while with Northampton, shot from 20 yards but gave Henderson no serious problem.

But it was Town who would go ahead in the 24th minute. Chambers nodded down Cresswell’s ball back into the box from the right after a freekick had been cleared. Martin looped it on to Campbell on the edge of the six-yard box and the ball appeared to go into the net as Rams’ defender James O’Connor tackled the on-loan QPR man. Derby’s defenders raised their arms in vain for an offside flag, which may well have been warranted.

Emmanuel-Thomas almost created himself a brilliant Town second on the half hour, dazzling a number of defenders with his footwork as he cut into the area on the right before hitting a low shot which Legzdins blocked low down.

Town continued to look much the more threatening side, Martin hitting a low effort wide from 30 yards in the 34th minute. A minute later, the former Manchester United man was yellow-carded for a foul on Paul Coutts.

The Blues’ lead wasn’t to last for long. With five minutes of the half remaining Higginbotham cleared a long ball down the Town left straight up in the air, Conor Sammon picking up possession. The former Wigan man exchanged passes with Craig Bryson before hitting a 20-yard strike which Henderson couldn’t hold on to and Theo Robinson slammed home from close range to level the scores.

The visitors finished strongly having got back on terms but were unable to seriously threaten Henderson before referee Andy Madley blew the half-time whistle.

Town had been deservedly on top and might conceivably have been further in front having had a number of chances early on.

The Rams had just started to get more into the game when Town scored but hadn’t looked particularly dangerous. Their goal came from the sort of defensive error which has cost the Blues all too often in recent games.

Nevertheless, the first half performance had been a great improvement on the display at Hull at the weekend with Reo-Coker and Richie Wellens looking more up to the pace than they had at the KC Stadium.

Emmanuel-Thomas created the first shooting opportunity of the second half for Drury in the 49th minute but the one-time Luton man shot well over when in space and should have done better.

O’Connor was booked for a foul on Reo-Coker on 52 and from the freekick the ball was played to Cresswell on the left and the full-back’s powerful shot was well saved by Legzdins.

The always dangerous Sammon shot wide for the visitors, who had begun the second half the stronger, then Henderson saved a 20-yard shot from Jacobs after Wellens had given the ball midway inside his own half.

Jacobs, making his first league start for the Rams, again threatened on 59, hitting a shot wide from the edge of the box with the Blues struggling to regain control of the game.

Town were in danger of going behind again in the 62nd minute but Henderson dived bravely at the feet of Sammon as a cross flashed across the six-yard box from the right.

At the other end, Martin shot wide. Moments later, Campbell and Drury were replaced by Michael Chopra and Jason Scotland with the Town side looking very much as if it needed freshening up.

Despite the substitutions, the Rams continued to dominate the second half but all too often the ball was given away or crossed behind once they got into dangerous areas.

On 74 Legzdins did well to get across to his left to push an Emmanuel-Thomas freekick from 30 yards wide.

After the resultant corner had been half-cleared, the ball was played to Cresswell by Edwards, the full-back’s shot reaching Martin in a dangerous but offside position inside the box. For the visitors, Coutts shot over from an angle on the right.

Chopra was booked for a foul on Keogh on 79, although the Derby skipper appeared to make a lot of very little. The freekick came to nothing with the Blues having come more into the game in as it moved towards its final 10 minutes.

Coutts shot wide for Derby on 85, but it was Town putting on the pressure in the game’s final minutes.

As the match moved into injury time, the visitors scored the winning goal on the break. Sammon, who had been a threat throughout, crossed in low from the right and sub Tyson diverted the ball into the net from a few yards out.

The goal signalled the start of boos from the Sir Bobby Robson Stand and shouts of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ aimed towards manager Jewell.

Town huffed and puffed in the remaining couple of minutes but couldn’t find a way through and the winless run was extended to 11 games.

At the final whistle there were further boos, while a number of fans remained in the Sir Bobby Robson Stand to chant ‘Clegg out’ and ‘Jewell out’ while a banner bearing the latter message was unfurled.

The Blues were the better side in the first half but after the break the visitors took control of what was a poor second period. A point might have been a fairer result over all, but Town — who lost for the fifth game in a row after being 1-0 ahead — seem incapable of holding on to a lead at present.

Another defeat drops Town to the bottom of the Championship and extends the winless run to 11 games. With home fans — who haven’t seen a victory since March — showing the first significant signs of discontent, Jewell’s position, which was perilous to start with, looks even more precarious.

Town: Henderson, Edwards, Chambers, Higginbotham, Cresswell, Drury (Scotland 64), Reo-Coker, Wellens, Martin, Emmanuel-Thomas, Campbell (Chopra 64). Subs: Loach, Smith, Chopra, Hyam, Mohsni, Carson, Scotland.

Derby: Legzdins, Brayford, Keogh, Buxton, O’Connor, Jacobs (B Davies 75), Bryson, Coutts, Hughes, Robinson (Tyson 82), Sammon. Subs: Deeney, O’Brien, Bennett, Roberts, Freeman. Referee: Andy Madley (West Yorkshire). Att: 15,417 (Derby 329).

Photo: Action Images

Little_Blue_Rooster added 23:05 - Oct 23 Yet another defeat snatched from the jaws of victory; with the 90th minute winner scored by a player Jewell tried and failed to sign in the transfer debacle last season. I must stress that I wasn't at the match tonight but I think that Town have the quality to win plenty of games in this division, yet the results suggest otherwise. Either we don't possess this quality or it's not being put to good enough use by the management of Jewell; and it's the latter who's to blame in my opinion.

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jocasaja added 23:07 - Oct 23 I really hoped for a big gutsy fight from the players tonight, and honestly thought they would fight for their own pride and also to save their managers job. I was very dissapointed to see them go down with a whimper - spineless and gutless. The fact Hutchings finally did the post match while PJ watched a DVD then takes things to a ridiculous level. He should either have quit, been sacked or been in the dressing room kicking some backsides and throwing around a whole load of teacups. I know we have enough talent in our squad but this is no good without some basic effort and real fight and team spirit. I feel sorry for PJ and saturday could be really ugly at PR if he is still manager. I was pleased that the crowd did get behind them as much as possible, but just a very sad, flat night at Portman Road

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Nunn_the_Wiser added 23:08 - Oct 23 Beyond a joke now, beyond a joke. Words don't do justice the absolute turmoil this club is in.
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alfromcol added 23:12 - Oct 23 square pegs in round holes comes to mind regarding team selection. Goodbye PJ.
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byronitfc added 23:16 - Oct 23 pathetic
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BrettenhamBlue added 23:21 - Oct 23 So...we are bottom of the league. I was lambasted at the beginning of the season when I suggested that we would do well to avoid relegation this season. I was lambasted when I suggested that other teams have stronger squads than our own. I was lambasted when I said that 4th bottom would be a great result for our club this season. The proof is in the tasting as they say. On a positive note, I honestly thought we played ok for the first 30 minutes. Some good one touch football and good approach play. I feel that when Campbell scored we deserved to take the lead. After 30 mins Derby started to take the initiative and after they equalised there was only ever going to be one team that was going to win it. It is sad that AT A HOME GAME Derby were completely in charge for the last 10 minutes, putting us under massive pressure and then eventually snatching a simple goal. They won't bother sacking Jewell, not until he manages to beat his record at Derby.

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WeirdFishes added 23:23 - Oct 23 Like i said on the text, WE ARE DOOMED
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StochesStotasBlewe added 23:28 - Oct 23 Evans, sort it out. Went down with a whimper 2nd half. Same mistakes game after game. Jewell must go now along with the coaching staff. Nigel Clough was in his technical area all game cajoling his players, Jewell sat on his arse arms folded. Enough said. League 1 is looming large. TooleyBlue, i supported the team all match, however, gave Jewell, Hutchings etc heaps at the end. I,m seriously disgruntled.

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Bob7881 added 23:30 - Oct 23 Post match interview on the radio Hutchings quote WE ARE IN A LITTLE BIT OF A LULL AT THE MOMENT. Oh thank god theres me thinking we are bottom of the league and facing a real chance of relegation but no its just a lull. Where was jewell when this muppett was talking? in his office looking a dvd of the game so what was he bloody looking at tonite sat next to pitch. You could'nt make this crap up. ABSOLUTE DISGRACE

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hairbear added 23:46 - Oct 23 Campbell MOM?!?!?!?!?! IT WAS AN OWN GOAL! The fans that voted are as clueless as our so called manager!
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raycrawfordswig added 23:47 - Oct 23 Evans on holiday
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taylor15 added 23:49 - Oct 23 JEWELL OUT.
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kerryblue added 23:50 - Oct 23 Doomed ,more players nipping at the fans on Twitter with Carson standing up for Jewell,I wish our players especially the reserves would keep their mouths shut and do their bloody talking on the pitch and we wouldnt be in this mess
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taylor15 added 23:50 - Oct 23 also, WHY HAS HYAM SUDDENLY BEEN DROPPED. absolute disgrace. just do us all a favour jewell, and walk.
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nerdys added 23:54 - Oct 23 I hear that Terry Butcher has bought a house in Bawdsey Road. !!!!!
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pazelle added 00:07 - Oct 24 He's completely lost the dressing room and the plot - there's no coming back from this.
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itfchorry added 00:35 - Oct 24 Clegg /Jewell - How much more do you intend to embarrass this once great club ? Please please leave
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clivewoodsleftpeg added 00:40 - Oct 24 think you will find PJ may do the decent thing and walk tomorrow(if he has any pride left at all)
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bluefeast added 08:08 - Oct 24 I was at the match last night , and have followed events on and off the pitch closely for many years. One thing that is absolutely key in any football club is team spirit. The team being not just the match day squad but also the clubs staff , local media and supporters. Never was it more obvious than last night that the club are so far from galvanised its unbelievable. The first 11 look both lacking in ideas and confidence. Unable to follow instructions given by a manager who is at his lowest ebb in terms of his own belief in himself. In 90 plus minutes of football PJ was in his technical area twice. Very simply he is shot of all confidence , he is hiding . It is miserable for him. Back to the team itself , for 15 mins we were ok , apart from that we made a young fresh and hungry Derby side look far better that they are. All over the pitch there was no belief ,no cohesion and players like Cresswell , Martin were simply not at the races. Its plain to see Cresswell is the target for opposition ,so many times players are two V one on him , ie get behind him and cross. I do not really wish to pick on individuals , but there is no choice in that position to rest him due to the failings of transfer dealings. Substitions from both Derby and Hull by Bruce and Clough brought about players that scored winners , we bring on Chopra and Scotland , they did not care , they really did not have any positive influence on the match at all. Thats there fault not the manager. What is the managers fault is the signing of a mass of loan players that sends a message to the rest of the team that they are not good enough to win football matches. So hardly a shock moral is so low. So , the problems are enormous , the manager has been the cause of his own down fall. If i worked in Marcus Evans business running for example a sales team , that was under performing , and i stood up and said at a conference that im not sure im up to the job , i need to have a think , soul search , and ask myself if im capable of running my division anymore , i would bet my bottom dollar Marcus Evans would sack me , without question. Fans, local media , staff , directors , manager , players are not galvanised ,there is no obvious passion as so much is wrong. The buck does not just stop with the manager but with all units of a club . However the manager must do his part very well , to lead ,inspire , motivate ,unite. Sadly that is behond him. The club is to big for PJ. Hes the rabbit in the headlights. We need leaders ,and he does not lead. So for him it should be over . The replacement must be a leader of all aspects. Objective number one to inspire and motivate , to galvanise the club as a whole. Including very importantly us the supporters. For it is us the players should feel they play for.

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NoelTheDub added 08:18 - Oct 24 4 5 1 again paul when you badly needed a win .I rest my case.
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RaymondovicBlue added 11:44 - Oct 24 I am sure that there are some who still want to blame Tommy Smith for all our woes and the goals we concede! But whilst other defenders have come in and still we leak goals - let's not forget how often we could and should have been out of sight before the late surges that have cost us dearly ... SO often! Match report says this : EVEN with the 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 many of us hate but PJ loves "Town had been deservedly on top and might conceivably have been further in front having had a number of chances early on" And STILL Tommy Smith gets the blame :)

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scottyB added 12:06 - Oct 24 At least we're consistent
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runningout added 12:56 - Oct 24 a game of football made difficult by weak willed clueless simpletons.. with no clinical will to thrash out a lesson.. went badly wrong after Big Joe went, not since the shameful Blackpool show
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ChestnutSe added 14:00 - Oct 24 I was at the game as usual. I thought we looked ok 1st half at least and had 3 good goal scoring opportunities (apart from the one we scored). I don't think the problem is our back 5 (although Higinbottom will be disappointed by his "error" for the 1st goal). The central 2 looked ok as well, it was the wingers that were not up to par. Jet was the better of the 2 although I wish he could jump to win a header. Martin was a complete passenger. It was like playing with 10 men as he gives the team absolutely nothing. and has no end product. I hope we can offload him in January. He was a Keane signing but PJ selected him so I have little sympathy for him. PJ's recent signings (ignore last season) have been pretty good but he has failed to get the best from the team with poor selections and tactics. Scotland also looks well past his sell by date and needs moving on. Chopra, good touch and we are probably not getting the best out of him with poor service but do we need the off field distractions. Probably best to let him move on as well. I never like to see us part company with a manager early (except for the England job) but I think PJ needed a break and the players need some fresh impetus so a change was probably a necessity, sadly.

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