Top scorer Christophe Berra nodded home his third goal of the season to secure the Blues a deserved point at Derby. The Scotland international headed home Paul Anderson's freekick on 52 to level Chris Martin's 13th minute goal for the Rams.

Leicester target David McGoldrick was missing from the Town squad having not made the trip after suffering a dead leg in training on Thursday. Whether the 26-year-old would have been considered fit enough to be involved in normal circumstances was the subject of much pre-match discussion.

Elsewhere in the side, Mick McCarthy handed Jonny Parr his Blues debut at left-back, while Teddy Bishop was given his full debut and Kevin Bru his full league debut in midfield.

Tyrone Mings dropped to the bench with Cole Skuse missing out having been ill overnight and Elliott Hewitt due to injury.

The Blues matched Derby’s formation with Murphy the lone striker and Bishop, Hyam and the more advanced Bru forming a central midfield three with Jay Tabb and Paul Anderson on the left and right respectively.

Chances were rare in a cagey opening spell. Bru created Town’s first opportunity in the eighth minute when he exchanged passes with Murphy before being tripped by Cyrus Christie on the left. Town top scorer Christophe Berra won Tabb’s freekick to the far post but having committed a foul, according to referee Eddie Ilderton.

Derby began to take control, Martin failing to get enough on Jamie Ward’s cross from the left before Parr cut out a subsequent cross from the former Sheffield United man. From the resultant corner, Dean Gerken dropped the ball inside his six-yard box but the Blues eventually scrambled it away.

But a Rams goal wasn’t too long in coming and once again as a result of a defensive horror show from Town.

As the game moved into the 13th minute Ward again escaped down the left and cut the ball across. Tommy Smith blocked but Hyam’s attempted clearance flew straight up in the air inside the area to Martin, who beat Berra and headed goalwards.

Gerken saved across to his right, Parr blocked Johnny Russell’s headed rebound on the line but former Canary Martin was on hand to tuck the loose ball home.

Derby felt they ought to have been awarded a penalty in the 20th minute when Jeff Hendrick went down as Berra looked to challenge. A spotkick would have been very harsh and the Scotland international eventually won the ball.

Hendrick suffered an arm injury in the incident and was forced off with England U21 international Will Hughes taking over.

The Blues, with 18-year-old Bishop increasingly involved, came more into it after the break for the injury, winning a number of corners but without testing Rams keeper Lee Grant.

On 40 Bishop made a strong run through the middle of the Derby midfield before Richard Keogh slid in to dispossess him.

Moments after the fourth official had signalled six additional minutes Martin saw a shot deflect over, then Ward curled a 20-yard strike into Gerken’s arms.

Shortly before the whistle, Christie did well to find himself space on the Derby right before sending over a low ball which Ward diverted wide at the near post.

Town couldn’t complain about the scoreline at the break, particularly given the nature of the goal which was the difference between the teams.

Derby had threatened to get their noses in front prior to the goal and continued to look the most likely scorers of the game’s second goal.

The Blues started to look more of an attacking threat after the interruption for Hendrick’s injury, albeit without creating anything significant in open play and while failing to make the most of a number of corners.

Of the debutants, Bishop had made the biggest impact with Bru finding it hard to get on the ball in the role ahead of the other two central midfielders after a bright start. Parr had got forward on several occasions but so far without sending in a telling ball.

Skipper Luke Chambers made way at the break having suffered a bang to the head during the first half. Tyrone Mings came on and went to left-back with Parr swapping flanks. Berra took the armband.

And seven minutes after the break, the Scot increased his lead at the top of the Town goalscoring charts when he scored his third goal in three games and his eighth in the last 12 months.

After Parr had been fouled by Ward midway inside the Rams’ half on the right, Anderson sent over a freekick which Berra headed into the ground and up into the top corner of the net.

The goal completely changed the momentum of the game and the Blues came close to going in front within a minute of equalising, Tabb cutting the ball back from the left after good work from Murphy and Grant somehow blocking when Anderson seemed certain to score.

With the home crowd somewhat harshly concentrating their attentions on referee Ilderton after giving several decisions Town’s way, not least the freekick which led to the goal, the Blues continued to threaten.

Bishop came close to opening his goals account on 55 with a powerful 25-yard strike which Grant did well to tip over. From the subsequent corner, the 18-year-old saw another effort deflect over.

Derby began to regain the impetus and on 57 Martin headed Christie’s cross from the right wide.

A minute later Gerken did well to get across to his left to save Ward’s 20-yard strike after the winger had been given too much time and space. Alex Henshall replaced Bishop in the 67th minute, the youngster having run himself into the ground during what had been a very promising debut.

The former Manchester City youngster was quickly involved, running on to a Mings ball down the left but his low cross was cut out. From the corner, Murphy headed back towards the far post and Martin nodded away but with ball appearing to have been on its way wide. Soon after, Bru was booked for kicking the ball away as Derby prepared to take a freekick.

As the match moved into its final 15 minutes both sides were having chances. Henshall tried to make the most of some hesitant Derby defending but saw his effort blocked, then at the other end Martin shot wide after Ward’s break down the right.

With the game by now very open and end to end, Frank Nouble replaced Anderson for the final 10 minutes.

Derby sub Leon Best headed Craig Forsyth’s corner from the right over when he should have done better, then with seven minutes remaining Tabb was booked for a foul on another Rams sub Simon Dawkins.

With a minute and a half remaining the Blues had a chance to win it when Bru found Hyam bursting into the box but the central midfielder scuffed into the ground and straight at Grant. In injury time Martin was booked after a scuffle with as Derby prepared to take a freekick.

The Rams almost won it deep in injury time when Martin’s shot, which looked on its way wide, caught Mings’s heel and cannoned across goal and beyond the other post but the Blues were not to be denied what was a hard-fought and in the end deserved point.

After improving in the minutes before the break, the Blues levelled via Berra’s header seven minutes after the restart, a set piece having been the most likely source of a goal at that stage.

Town might have gone in front at that stage with impressive debutant Bishop and Anderson both going close.

Subs Mings and Henshall made the Blues much more of a threat down the left, the ex-Manchester City winger during a final quarter in which either side might have won it.

Bishop and Henshall in particular won a succession of freekicks via strong runs at the Derby backline, while Bru was much more involved in the second half and created the excellent late chance for Hyam.

Manager Mick McCarthy is likely to be pleased with a point, particularly having gone behind to another poor goal so early on in the game, and will also be delighted with the performances of youngsters Bishop, Henshall and Mings amongst others.

Derby: Grant, Christie, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth, Eustace (Dawkins 81), Bryson, Hendrick (Hughes 26), Ward, Russell (Best 70), Martin. Unused: Roos, Shotton, Whitbread, Mascarell.

Town: Gerken, Parr, Chambers (c) (Mings 46), Smith, Berra, Bru, Bishop (Henshall 68), Hyam, Anderson (Nouble 80), Tabb, Murphy. Unused: Bialkowski, Bajner, McQueen, Clarke. Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne and Wear). Att: 26,673.

Photo: Action Images

TractorCam added 17:14 - Aug 30 Definitely take a point at Derby away there. One of the favourites for promotion and we equalised from 1-0 down. Now 6 points would be very appreciated in our next 2 home games. Some pointers of the game: - What would life be like without Berra? - Bru and Bishop sounded good, don't you dare put Skuse back in the starting line up Mick - What was the point of signing Bajner? He brought on transfer listed Nouble when the only reason he was in the squad was because Sammon was ineligible - Jonny Parr man of the match, should have had him in from the start of the season.

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TractorCam added 17:18 - Aug 30 Our August was always going to be tough, it's a lot tougher than last year's and we've got 5 points as opposed to 4 last year, so hopefully we kick on from here. Home games against Millwall and Brighton follow, both are tough sides but both are also beatable, i think we need 6 points otherwise we will be playing catch up, we need to make Portman Road a fortress.
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neillrumsey added 17:18 - Aug 30 I very pleased to eat my words having predicted a real beating at the hands of the Rams. At such a negative time at the club when our main talisman is nearing an exit MM has given some of our young talent a chance in Teddy Bishop. He also made positive substitutions bringing on Henshall late on. MM needs to apply a positive approach more often particularly at home. Great away point and Championship contenders.

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NoCanariesAllowed added 17:19 - Aug 30 Another bizarre meeting between these two sides. Don't think I've ever seen us come so close to winning a match in the second half that we should've lost in the first. Absolute polarity either side of half time. Our left wing changed the game. Mings has his doubters - myself included - but when he came on he gave us some serious drive and strength on that side. And when Henshall joined him, Derby did not have an answer. Have to say that Bru really started to shine in that second half as well, showing some great touches and chasing the ball down well. I am delighted that there's a part of me that feels annoyed we didn't win that game, because on the basis of the first half, I'd never had dreamt we would've been in with a chance. Our passing and possession in those first 45mins was some of the worst I've ever seen, so loose and complacent. But for Teddy Bishop, who did excite with some of his running, it was a woeful 45mins that seemed to compound the mood around the club of late. Thank goodness for Christophe Berra though - for a man who never netted in over four years at Wolves, his ability to pop up with a goal is a blessing. Derby were not playing to their full capacity today and we were a tad fortunate at times. But in the circumstances, that is a fantastic away point. And one we dearly needed to pick us up from a bad week. It doesn't solve all our problems by any means, but that second half gives us something to be much more positive about going into the international break.

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kidsurello added 17:19 - Aug 30 Kevin Bru, fantastic player, key to what have been missing, links the midfield and striker so well, creativity, energy, intelligence, just what we need, thought the 4-4-1-1 worked fantastic today and hope mick doesn't change it next week, only change if make if jay tabb for alex henshall on the left and give Bart a run out. Parr looked great, bishop looks a gifted young player. As a team we played some lovely football in the second half, no long ball, loved it!!! If we're going to play one up front, I would sign a more complete striker with a bit more pace.

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blueboy1981 added 17:20 - Aug 30 ....... how many more times times does it have to be proved to our stubborn, negative Manager - YOUNGSTERS HAVE TO BE, AND ARE, THE FUTURE OF OUR CLUB. An excellent point (much needed) by default rather than design - so, let's see more youngsters interspersed with two / three experienced heads - and we have a chance,
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Superblue95 added 17:21 - Aug 30 Seems a bit more positive with MM changing things up and the likes of Bishop Bru and Parr playing well but still is hard to shake the dark atmosphere surrounding the Mcgoldrick saga
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TractorBoy666 added 17:21 - Aug 30 Would've taken that result before the game, bishop sounded very good and at such a young age even better. It's nice to see someone coming through out youth doing well, well done Bishop. Also Bru and Parr sounded good too, just do not bring Skuse back in! We really do need to bring in a proven goalscorer now McGoldrick is on his way because we cannot rely on goals from Berra every game. It was vital we didn't go into the international break on another loss so well done Town!

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blueboy1981 added 17:22 - Aug 30 ......... and let the youngsters have their chance.
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unknown100 added 17:23 - Aug 30 So bishop is ready and marriott isnt? Sounds very strange to me, good result really though
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dav86 added 17:24 - Aug 30 Great result against a very good championship team, onwards and upwards!
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RegencyBlue added 17:24 - Aug 30 One more point than I expected so a good result!
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blueboy1981 added 17:24 - Aug 30 ...... before they have it drilled into them that the only way to pass is sideways and backwards ! - God Forbid.
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TractorBoy85 added 17:25 - Aug 30 A big point against a really good derby side. I'm not going to go on about our midfield again showing they can't score goals as it's been touched on to many times and I can't see it changing anytime soon, but hopefully bishops brilliant performance in the 2nd half will show mick to go out and get a similar player like him or maybe to try and give the lad more game time as he was easily our best player imo. This is a huge few days for the club considering the heavy rumours about McGoldrick leaving and if or when he is to leave, that money must be spent before the window closes as our squad is simply too small for a whole season of championship football.

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TractorCam added 17:25 - Aug 30 We looked a lot better in midfield today, i wonder why that is. But don't worry, Skuse will be back in the starting line up in 2 weeks.
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town1328 added 17:26 - Aug 30 Not a bad point in the scheme of things and encouraging displayed by bru and bishop , interesting to see how we would of done if they were introduced earlier, finally a couple of players that look to go forward! Still need to strengthen though, ideally with a few hungry, young players looking to prove a point!
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dav86 added 17:27 - Aug 30 Please don't put skuse back in, stick with the young guns in midfield
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warkonthewildside added 17:28 - Aug 30 Yes Christophe Berra! 15 goals this season please!
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TimmyH added 17:32 - Aug 30 No surprise - 1. Berra scores 2. From a dead ball situation 3. Midfielders don't score Overall happy with a point at Derby and sounded like we deserved it, sounded like Parr and Bishop were our standout players and really good to see a bit of a different look to the midfield. But will the dreaded fav Skuse be back after the break - let's hope not! Well done today, must build on this result.

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Surco72 added 17:33 - Aug 30 Under tough circumstances for MM probably selling his best player ,again hats off to MM to make the changes required and get a great away point. Please just stick with playing people in right positions and not so negative and don't revert back. Thought Nouble was a strange sub though ?
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riley26 added 17:34 - Aug 30 Very good point, feared the worst when we went behind early to another poor goal. How did Bishop, Bru and Candlestick..sorry, Hyam work together? Good enough to all start the next match and keep Skuse out?
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IpswichFan26 added 17:34 - Aug 30 Well. I've eaten humble pie after today's game, and I like the taste of it. Was very worried about this fixture, and with the DM news, I was fearing the absolute worst about this game - and what the resulting next 2 weeks would be like . I'm still worrying about if we can bring in some quality signings if McGoldrick scores, but apart from that, some positive things today

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blueboy1981 added 17:36 - Aug 30 ....... rest assured Skusey will be back in - because he is a favourite .......
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riley26 added 17:36 - Aug 30 Great to see the changes by the way, credit Mick, although you'd have to say that was a win/win situation for him, fans love to see youth come through, I think we all would have understood if we had lost that one, but hey we didn't and all looks rosy! Parr decent too? Always liked him at Palace, a proper full-back.
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NoelTheDub added 17:40 - Aug 30 A great point today and a bit positive from our manager when we go away and play 1 up front we need young legs ie Henstall,on the right Mings on the left in front of Parr it gives the opposition something to think about,also at home we should go at teams in this league its clearly the negitive tactic that is putting pressure on us.Please Mick play players that like the ball at their feet and run a people instead of letting them go..

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