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

floridaboy added 17:41 - Aug 30 So maybe there could be life after mcgoldrick, let's hope he doesn't fail the medical and I would take Chris wood as part of the deal as well as 6m
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jas0999 added 17:43 - Aug 30 Considering the circumstances and after looking at the team today, I am pleasantly surprised that we took a point from a tough away game. Sounds much like last season, poor first half, played well in the second and deserved a point. Great to see bishop and Bru play well. Slightly concerning we are relying on a centre half for goals, as yet again the midfield and Murphy drew a blank. I said before the game, win lose or draw, we still need to add quality and numbers to the squad and stand by it. Our squad looked painfully thin and weak today, which makes this point look very good indeed. Of course, expectation at the start of the season was a top six challenge. Being pleased with away points has changed the outlook slightly. One win from five games and knocked out of the cup is also a poor return overall, but well done for a decent result today. Let's hope Skuse doesn't regain his place!

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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 17:43 - Aug 30 Blueboy - we have just got a cracking away point at Derby. Give it a rest.
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Kikapu added 17:44 - Aug 30 I can't believe you guys. Yesterday there were so many negative comments and now it's all sweetness and light. Remember, it's not a sprint it's a marathon. Oh, and 'all storms end'. There will be plenty more ups and downs before the end of the season. Keep the faith.
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whosroundisitanyway added 17:47 - Aug 30 To many people slagging the side off to early. We are still a force in this division despite all our shortcomings. Let things develop then make a more reasoned judgment come christmas or beyond. To much knee jerk reaction on here to every posting.
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HALLSJ added 17:51 - Aug 30 Terrible 1st half, another awful mix up at the back. The youngsters did us proud in the 2nd half -well done to them. Need a couple of straight wins now, 3 pls from Derby who are 7th, very early days.
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Stato added 17:51 - Aug 30 Well done Mick and the boys. Let's hope nobody bids on Berra
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blueboy1981 added 18:04 - Aug 30 Bobblehat ,,,,,,,,,, sorry, I forgot - next breath you'll probably suggest a Civic Reception in the morning. If you read / can read my post correctly I said 'excellent point' ........ sorry if I ask too much in so doing. I've told you before with my posts - see it - ignore it - DO NOT READ IT - thank you.
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therein61 added 18:09 - Aug 30 Drove up to my cousins last night who lives near the Babington arms(lucky boy great beer!!) and had to endure a friendly onslaught of banter as to how many our goal difference would suffer in the minus!! I have to say after last week and the dire performance v the £60m parachute payment for failing yellow x1!!?? I did not hold out much for our chances! however my mood lightened considerably in the ground when I heard our line up this was a breath of fresh air we had a young man in midfield who was to prove that he would not pass sideways and hide but take the game to Derby! well done Mr Bishop you gave your all while on the pitch also Jonny Parr I felt was well composed and looked solid(sorry tyrone but you are still a bit raw but your time will come just ask a certain Mr Beattie who started at left back) so back to the game we started nervously(understandable) but gradually grew in confidence and could have nicked it! as confirmed back at the Babington arms where I have to say the Derby fans who were giving stick last night gave us credit(nice!!) very positive MM now lets see if the Dids rumours are true if so then I hope we can have some cash please Mr Evans to let the man you hired to get us back to the premiership to complete the job all in all a very positive day thanks to the players!!!(if Dids goes is Berra a good shout for his upfront shirt? lol up the Town.

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BillBlue added 18:33 - Aug 30 Firstly congratulations to MM for having the courage to change the team and for getting a point where, quite honestly, I didn't think we would. During the second half I had a strong feeling we were going to win it 2-1, lucky I am not a betting man. I still think Derby are one of the better teams in this Division and their fans need not be disheartened by today's result as we do have a sign over them, similar to us and Watford. I am delighted with today's performance but will Mick learn from it and start putting the young players in at the expense of his old crock favourites? We now have two whole weeks to wait and see!

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NoelTheDub added 19:09 - Aug 30 YES im a negitive Mick moaner but today shows what can be achieved if our small squad and no money club is used prolerly its down to tactics used most weeks.Today it was forced upon MM because Salmon cant play Skuse injured and Didsy speculation Please Mick dont go backwards in 2 weeks time but I think you might
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bohslegend added 19:11 - Aug 30 Blueboy get back in your kennel, on the one hand you acknowledge that youth players should play, and then immediately slate MM for not playing youth. I would have disagreements with plenty on here but they are entitled to have an opinion that's different to mine, no issues, but sorry, you're just an idiot. You make no sense whatsoever. Ever. You are anti MM from day 1. You slate players too regularly. You would HATE it if MM was successful.

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NoelTheDub added 19:42 - Aug 30 bohslegend.. What some on hear have been saying is players like Taylor,Wandsworth,Henstall,Mings,and Parr were left on the bench or tuffed out to other clubs at the expence of Tabb,Skuse,ana Nouble at times.Clearly at best those guys are is bench material .We are better on the front foot with footballers who like it to feet and that takes a lot of pressure of our defense also.You have to agree MM likes work rate types and that is our achillies heal our back 4 is solid with Hynm in the middle the rest should be of attacking mind when going forward .I know we see a different picture but today proves having a go in this league is more rewarding 1 win is the same as 3 draws so have a go..PLEASE MICK..

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blueboy1981 added 19:50 - Aug 30 bohslegend ........... actually I happen to have the same opinion of you, and your posts. How any sane person could make any sense whatsoever of your first sentence - would be beyond me !!!!! Back in your kennel - until you make sense (or can read properly). Either / or will do.
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Tonyitfc82 added 20:15 - Aug 30 Very good point today. We could have won it. DM can leave for 8M, Im happy with that. We just got to be careful that Berra isnt next in line to go or Smith.
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dirtydingusmagee added 20:25 - Aug 30 all things considered, a decent point,Second half showed there is hope transfer talk is a a bit of a worry,we are not bristling with firepower .coyb
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TimmyH added 20:28 - Aug 30 @bohslegend - I think Mick largely played Bishop today by default i.e. as Skuse was ill, I feel his hand was forced the same way to a degree it was when Skuse was out injured and Wordsworth came in against Brighton, Derby last season. Sometimes out of adversity (if you can call it that) comes good. Considering that was the lads debut by the sounds of it he had a very good one!

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Turkishblue added 20:43 - Aug 30 Just back. Arrived at ground with news of £12m bid or deal for DM and T Smith, so mixed feelings about game and what formation. The settled nature of the Derby team was evident from the start with our boys working things out and settling down, Hendricks injury upset them and we started to get involved. Felt sorry for Chambers as when he went off we were much more balanced and took things to them, in my view Chambers has looked off it since the extra time at Crawley, positive approach led to goal and couple real decent chances, so happier drive back, particularly as met some Brum supporters on way back from their thrashing. So as many have said enforced changes led to more positive midfield play, Smith back to form, Bishop, Mings, Henshall and Bru showed potential shape of things to come :)

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BriggEnd added 20:54 - Aug 30 Great point gained today But the big worry is its 5 games now since one of our so called strikers hit the back of the net and god knows how many games it is since one of our so called midfielders scored .
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blue_moon09 added 21:48 - Aug 30 Just got home from Derby, poor first half but town good in the second. There seems to be so many negative people on here that have knee jerk reactions to everything that's posted, it's pretty clear you don't go to games you mere trolls that look for a reaction from proper fans that actually support the club Town have got the makings of a good young side with potential. Bishop looks quality and when Clarke get his chance he will be a good player for Ipswich If DM goes then that's great business for the club hopefully MM will be able to find a few more gems, but in the mean time calm down, support the club and stop moaning. BFN

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IvorFeeling added 22:05 - Aug 30 First up a bit of humble pie for me and happy to take it on the chin and it cost me to but who cares! Think all would have taken the point beforehand given the squad and potential move for McGoldrick. Great that MM played Bishop but I am a Mings fan, and although rightly described by a few as raw he, imo, is a Premiership player with normal progression in the next two years. I still am not convinced that this is a watershed moment for MM as i think after last week and the squad options he just thought F it why not go off piste! Happy to be proved wrong but think MM will return to type after the break citing that the youngsters are not ready. Goals are a big concern, especially as Berra and Dids could go in the next couple of days but i wait until Tuesday before i comment on that. Time though to enjoy a good result as Derby wont drop many points at home this year.

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StochesStotasBlewe added 22:15 - Aug 30 Very pleased with the point today after all the negative transfer speculation pre match. At least we had a good go & were much more offensive 2nd half so credit for that. As others have stated though, will MM revert back to the cautious lineups he seems to prefer when we resume after the international break. Hope not......but methinks he may well do.
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TheSelkirk added 22:26 - Aug 30 @blue-moon, there may be moaners on here but also those who have opinions / observations that they want to share. (I don't want to start up the old "proper supporters" argument as, although I have a season ticket, I know that there are people that cannot make every game, or are disillusioned with the way we are playing right now, or simply can't afford it - in my opinion they are still supporters and deserve some recognition as such. But that aside... My principal issue with our current set up has been our lack of positivity and perceived lack of ambition. You have very much summed up my thoughts in this regard with your comments regarding the potential of the team, Bishop, Clarke and so on. I agree totally with you. My concern however (or moan as you might put it) is that we will not see this potential develop as it should / could if we just carry on as we are.

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marshallmania added 23:34 - Aug 30 I'd hate to see McGoldrick leave but £8 mill cant be turned down. I think a new star was on show today in young Teddy Bishop. Looked really confident defending and pushing forward. Gave our dull midfield a positive attacking edge. Hope to see much more of this boy, man of the match:)
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Casbo added 09:06 - Aug 31 Came away from the ipro really happy after a great second half performance. I feared for us when they scored after the most horrific mix up in our box. Several players at fault especially Hyam and Girken should have done better. However MM must have given the team a massive kick up the arse at half time as Town were 100 per cent better after the break. Bishop was superb and Bru impressed. Hope Skuse does not return as it was a treat to see young Bishop takes players on and not pass it backwards all the time as we see with Skuse.

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