David McGoldrick’s 34th minute penalty saw Town to a final-day 1-0 away win at Derby County. The striker slotted home from the spot after Teddy Bishop had been upended by Richard Keogh.

Boss Mick McCarthy made three changes to the side which beat the MK Dons last week with midfielder Adam McDonnell handed his league debut, skipper Luke Chambers returning at right-back and Bartosz Bialkowski back in goal. Kevin Bru and Josh Emmanuel dropped out of the squad, while Dean Gerken moved to the bench.

Irish U18 international McDonnell lined up alongside Cole Skuse in one of the two deeper midfield roles with Bishop starting his second game of the season ahead of them.

Myles Kenlock was again at left-back with Jonas Knudsen still out with a knee injury. McGoldrick started as the central striker with Liam Feeney and Freddie Sears to the right and left respectively.

Derby, who had already confirmed their place in the play-offs, named an unchanged team.

The Rams threatened for the first time within the opening minute, Craig Bryson getting away from Kenlock on the right of the area before hitting a shot which Bialkowski saved. Christophe Berra cleared the loose ball.

McGoldrick struck Town’s first shot against a defender in the fifth minute with the Rams having had the better of the opening minutes. On seven, Thomas Ince shot over from distance.

A minute later, McGoldrick poked a ball through to Sears on the left of the area and the striker hit a shot which Derby keeper Scott Carson palmed past his post.

George Thorne headed wide from a corner on 18 then, following a Blues freekick won when Will Hughes fouled Bishop, McGoldrick hit a powerful volley from just outside the area which caught a defender on its way wide.

Town weren’t far away from going in front in the 28th minute when McGoldrick fed Feeney wide on the right and the on-loan Bolton man sent over a low cross, which Carson mishandled to Bishop, who tried to stab towards goal but Shackell was able to block.

Just after the half hour skipper Chambers was booked for arguing with the referee about the positioning of a Derby freekick, which Chris Martin eventually sent the wrong side of the post.

But, despite the Rams having had opportunities, the Blues had looked more threatening the longer the half had gone on and in the 34th minute they went in front from the penalty spot.

Bishop skipped into the area on the left and Keogh sent the midfielder flying with a wild challenge.

Referee Tim Robinson after some deliberation eventually pointed to the spot and was perhaps somewhat lenient in not showing Keogh, a one-time Town academy schoolboy and ballboy, a card of either colour with a red certainly not having been out of the question.

Ex-Nottingham Forest man McGoldrick stepped up and stroked his fifth goal of the season to Carson’s left to give the Blues the lead.

As Derby went about getting on terms McDonnell was booked for a late tackle on Thorne, although it was somewhat less of a foul than an earlier challenge the former Peterborough loanee had made on Bishop which had gone unpunished. Ince took the freekick, but Bialkowski was able to punch away to his left.

Russell shot over, then the Scotland international claimed a penalty when tackled by Kenlock but the Town youngster looked to have won the ball.

Keogh picked up card he really ought to have been shown earlier in the final scheduled minute of the half when he was booked for a foul on McGoldrick as his Republic of Ireland team-mate broke away from him midway inside the Derby half.

Moments before the whistle, a loose ball fell to Martin following a Rams freekick but as Skuse closed him down, the former Norwich striker blazed over.

Having weathered some early pressure from the home side, the Blues had got a foothold in the game, playing some decent stuff at times and were creating as many opportunities as the Rams by the time McGoldrick netted his penalty.

Bishop had made the type of break from midfield that the Blues have missed so much this season, although Keogh’s challenge was rash at best.

Debutant McDonnell hadn’t looked overawed, having made one or two solid tackles early on and passing neatly for the most part.

Ahead of the second half, the Blues switched Skuse for Luke Hyam, while Keogh - probably wisely ahead of the Rams’ play-off semi-final with Hull City - was swapped for Jake Buxton.

The Rams were first to seriously threaten after the restart. On 52 Martin teed-up Bryson on the edge of the box and the midfielder hit a shot which Bialkowski saved down to his right.

Soon after the resultant corner, the ball whipped in from the right and Martin flicked a header inches wide of the far post. Three minutes later, Jonathan Douglas replaced McDonnell.

The Blues were largely happy to sit back on their lead and look to catch Derby on the break, while the Rams struggled to find away through a Town backline now augmented by the additions of Hyam and Douglas.

But on 63 Martin played Russell in on goal on the left of the area but the winger shot over from a tight angle.

Three minutes later, ex-Canary Martin was yellow-carded for shoving Hyam off the ball, then on 68 the Rams striker was switched for ex-Blues frontman Darren Bent. A minute later, Bishop was replaced by Brett Pitman.

In the 71st minute Kenlock won two tackles midway inside the Town half on the left before bringing the ball forward and finding McGoldrick, who cut in from the flank and hit a shot which Carson spilled before claiming at the second attempt.

With 15 minutes left on the clock Bent sent in a dangerous ball from the right but too far in front of Bryson, then on 76 Ince shot well over from distance. Soon after, the Rams switched Hughes for Nick Blackman.

As the game moved into its final 10 minutes Derby’s Thorne required lengthy treatment for what looked a serious injury.

Players from both sides immediately screamed for medical staff to come on to the pitch, the 23-year-old appearing to have suffered a broken leg as he caught Douglas’s leg as the Town midfielder challenged as he looked to shoot.

Thorne was applauded off on a stretcher by both sets of fans and Derby ended the game with 10 men. Soon after the game restarted, the fourth official indicated eight additional minutes due the late stoppage.

Chances were rare during injury time, McGoldrick hitting a deflected effort through to Carson moments before the final whistle.

Having established their lead in the first half, the Blues allowed Derby to take the game to them after the break but were rarely in any serious trouble in the second half with the Rams’ best opportunities Bryson’s shot which Bialkowski saved, Martin’s header wide and Russell’s effort over.

The Blues occasionally threatened on the break but Carson was only really tested by McGoldrick’s strike 19 minutes from the end.

Kenlock, who had created that opportunity, put in another impressive display after a tough start, while McDonnell will be pleased with his debut.

McGoldrick continued his gradual progress towards full match fitness with another performance which promises much for next season, and perhaps for Ireland at the Euros.

Overall, a positive end to what was ultimately a disappointing season overall, a result which saw the Blues move up to seventh ahead of Cardiff, five points short of the August target of reaching the play-offs.

Derby County: Carson, Christie, Keogh (c) (Buxton 46), Shackell, Olsson, Thorne, Bryson, Hughes (Blackman 76), Ince, Russell, Martin (Bent 68). Unused: Mitchell, Hendrick, Bent, Butterfield, Weimann.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Smith, Berra, Kenlock, Skuse (Hyam 46), McDonnell (Douglas 55), Bishop (Pitman 69), Feeney, Sears, McGoldrick. Unused: Gerken, Digby, Foley, Varney. Referee: Tim Robinson (West Sussex). Att: 29,854 (Town: 1,036).

Photo: Action Images

Gforce added 19:21 - May 7 How many millions will it take to make up the 20 points Which we fell short by on the top two ???
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100grambarrier added 20:38 - May 7 My perspective on the season is this. First point is that our away form has been that of a top 2 side, while at home we have been bottom 6 material, and even 3 of the wins v Mk, Leeds and Qpr were last minute. The point is that 17k watch us at home, and 2k away, so there is a natural bias in the boards given that huge disparity in our home and away form. I am in North Yorkshire...so my games of Rotherham, Burnley, Huddersfield and Middlesborough we have been great, but are hardly representative either. we were awful when Mick took over. He has since had no money. Despite the fact that others have spent big (Derby £25m etc etc) we are competitive. Our 3 most naturally talented players were out for most of the season, and we still finished 7th. Would even Leicester have been so wonderful if Vardy, Kante, Mahrez been injured for most of the season? Given the cards he was dealt this season, this was creditable. If I was Mick and reading the boards, I would feel hugely aggrieved.

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Dissboyitfc added 20:58 - May 7 100grambarrier we certainly werent great at huddersfield, we are not great in any shape or form.
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Pendejo added 21:19 - May 7 Boys. Again loss of McG costs us. Whatever you think of MM & ITFC style etc. We were weren't far short. Keep Feeney get Murph & McG fit... & promotion follows. Today was my 9th game of the season - 5 wins 1 draw, & 3 draws. Was impressed with Kenlock today. ITFC love you lots!
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dirtydingusmagee added 22:07 - May 7 and so to bed,Amen.
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Dissboyitfc added 22:53 - May 7 Pendejo...... how many draws?
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blueherts added 23:44 - May 7 If you don't play to win , especially at he you will not ever go up , Evans go get Taylor from Bristol Rovers Got some positives from kids in last few games but I read nothing into result meaningless game for Derby who focused on.play offs
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syntaxerror added 01:40 - May 8 Penguin blue, time to change you username to its real one of Budgieyellow. You outed yourself today, must have been sore after the 1 -0 loss, and impending relegation.
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Minneapolis_ITFC added 03:09 - May 8 I think it illustrates a very good picture when there's only a two page reaction from today's game, whereas at previous times of the season I'd be reading through four or five pages of opinion and review. Have supporters merely lost interest ? Has the situation of "season over, there's little else to be mentioned" finally prevailed. ? One thing perhaps above all else to be taken from today is the near belligerence that the team can go to another promotion contender, take away a win, and all this after the recent draw at Middlesbrough ? Ok, this is commendable - but what freakin' good is it at this stage of the campaign ? If the team had showed a similar interest or determination at previous stages of the season we may just have achieved something or be looking ahead to another play-off endeavor, and even then I can't figure out how we've ended up in seventh position after the garbage and disappointment of the last nine months. (By all rights we shouldn't even be in the top ten but guess we'll take what we've got, only feel there are OTHER club sides more deserving of the final place we have obtained) And No, I haven't changed opinion on Mick McCarthy despite this little run at end of season. A point at Middlesbrough here, a win at Derby there - all very good and something to take encouragement in, but let's not forget the long list of disappointments and missed opportunity that came before it. Please, if you're reading (unlikely, but in any event) type out your resume in the days ahead and vacate your position. I'm not really willing to allow, or tolerate, another whole season of your ineptitudes and blundering, and seeing the club waste ANOTHER whole year making little to no progress. Don't wish you no harm, but I just about implore you : the time is right to now seek employment elsewhere.

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BrettenhamBlue added 05:56 - May 8 Minneapolis ITFC Many supporters gave up after the home game against Brentford. It was pretty much season over then. It is positive to get a few good results near the end but it simply doesn't matter. 7th gives us no advantage over 8th. There are a couple of players we signed this season who (with no disrespect) look more suitable playing Sunday League Football than Championship. Due to unforeseen injuries these players have spent too much time in town shirts. This is a huge error on our managers part because they should never have been signed.

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Brownie added 06:58 - May 8 Disappointing season because we had hoped for so much more. Personally I think MM has earned the chance to try and take us to the next level - that means play offs minimum & attacking football with flair & goals! Can he do it? Personally I doubt it without money that ME apparently will spend. We shall see but despite the poor value in terms of entertainment & value for money I will still be here posting comments at stupid o'clock at the age of 51! Madness but they are our team. And we have the budgies back as well..

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Pip50 added 07:25 - May 8 The ridiculous thing is it wasn't too difficult to kick on at Chtistmas and make top six, we were only 5 points short. Whilst I dislike MM for being him and the dire football you have got to wonder about the overall leadership of the club. With Newcastle and Norwich coming down with their riches that's top two done. Take out the play off losers and those who ignor FFP then best we can hope for on current model is where we are now. So why not accept we have no chance and look to develop a youthful set up and at least woo the crowds back with some form of football. I hate to admit it this season is the first in 25 years I have not bothered to go to a game.

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essex57 added 07:31 - May 8 Bluetone not correct I will support the town through thick and thin Just as I have done for the past 40 seasons and whatever manager the board decide to engage as I've said many times its easy for keyboard warriors on here to pontificate about team selection,tactics,player purchases when they haven't got to be judged by their decisions.
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yorksblue added 08:13 - May 8 On a different matter. Did anyone see Scums new shirt sponsor #ERapp. Change # for K and it sums them up nicely
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cornishblu added 09:25 - May 8 Sad to say it but so so Glad this season is now over ..whatever our opinion is if MM remains there will absolutely be no hiding place next season.....my fear however is that it will get worse before it gets better Travelled up to derby with the Cornish contingent relieved to see a more positive young team . Although Derby had nothing to play for and therefore a hardly inspiring game it was great to see the likes of Kenlock, Bishop. Donelly getting minutes on the pitch...McGoldrick was the outstanding player , much more time on the ball and an intelligent player credit to the other 1000 who went (would have been 3000 if we were in playoffs but won't, carry on that vien incase I get accused of being rude again!!) The negative of the day ...2nd half ...as soon as Douglas came on our midfield were too defensive ....you can play skuse, Hyam or Douglas ...all can do a job but sadly the same one so you can't play any of them together...one of them fine not combinations. For those that say we have been unlucky having so many players out ....what happened in January ...if we miss them why didn't we replace them...too many journey men in in the summer sucking up valuable wages that meant we were found wanting ...probably by restrictions of FFP...that's not bad luck ..it's dreadful recruitment. My hopes for next year Exciting signings with potential ...don't have to be finished article just some raw hungry talent Bart as No1 ...no debate A trained RB ...probably need two so there is no danger of Chambers being put in this position (chambers then being put back as CB) Bishop and Mcgoldrick injury free An attacking midfield signing A proven goal scorer who can keep the ball at his feet not liking hoofball Playing the scum in the league Finishing above the scum ....and please please please...take the cup competitions seriously ...the supporters love them And Mick to not be so stubborn.....learn from this season .....lets hope we look back on this season and laugh by saying do you remember that season when we were just awful....just look at us now !! Enjoy the break....look forward to the fixtures coming out ...plan for a positive August COYB

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blueherts added 09:49 - May 8 Yep we all know the issue and there is a cracking solution potentially down in the west country - go speak with our last great goalscorer from the prem days - me Marcus Stewart How much for Matt Taylor from Bristol Rovers? We need to find the net alot more if we want to go up
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blueherts added 09:59 - May 8 Padraig Amond at Grimsby 30 in 39 games - maybe worth a look
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blueboy1981 added 10:47 - May 8 ......... people keep on. and on, and on about 'opening the wallet' - 'releasing the purse strings' etc; etc; ....... continuously overlooking the fact that the style of play, and defensive mind set, of the dinosaur has been the main problem throughout the past season. Couple that with continuously playing players out of position - and we have what we have. Throw in the stubborness of you know who, into the pot, and you will achieve no more than what we have. Spending £millions will not necessarily achieve anything with this Manager - he has to change with today's game. CAN HE ? ...... WILL HE ? ..... I suspect not, and I would hazard a guess that Evans may think likewise. We had the potential in the squad to achieve more this season, McC signed some decent players, so credit to him for being able to spot them - but playing them to their full capacity has not been achieved ........ this is where the main problem lies. Next season, if still with us, will be make / change / break for him - let's see change please at least. Enjoy your Summer guys and gals - thanks for your support (those it applies to). Once a Blue - Always a Blue. Whatever.

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blueboy1981 added 10:55 - May 8 ......... there is no other way.
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blueherts added 11:09 - May 8 Spot on blueboy If he has not 'learnt lessons ' from this season as old Pte Fraser would say 'we're doomed' Enjoy the sun all !
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dannyrr added 15:13 - May 8 We did well and ended the season on a positive note however it was too little too late. Be realistic we could have at least made the playoffs- if we weren't successful then we would accept that. We were only two games off the playoffs. A lot of that was down to tactics playing the wrong players in the wrong positions playing defensively rather than attacking football. Not taking Hyam off the pitch when he received his first yellow in 10 minutes. Putting Bart back in the goal before waiting till Gerks was injured. Knudsen has improved but is not good enough for this level. He is not an equivalent replacement for either Mings or Cresswell. His long throws have given us no advantage over the season and have usually resulted in a counter attack leading to a goal. Our set pieces have been wasteful all season I believe the only game I saw one scored all season was the home game with Milton Keynes. Our free kicks have in the main been straight to the keeper or miles over the bar. I don't feel that our team wasn't good enough to get into the playoffs it was the many times that the wrong tactics and substitutions that made us hold back from going for a win were employed. This probably affected our home form because the fans saw the negatives and knew that any changes made would be either too little or too late. We tried playing passing football and possession football but that was mainly in our own half and the ball would regularly make its way back to Bart from the halfway line instead of trying to pass it forward which opposition teams learned from and pressed us back in our own half Hopefully we can make some positive signings and advance further next season.

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BillBlue added 15:14 - May 8 Gforce - It won't take any millions of pounds (£) to make up those twenty points just a new manager who sets up to try to win every match we play, that is ALL
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HarryS_H added 16:02 - May 8 Finishing 7th in a season that just didn't go our way is what I think is a good finish considering the quality of the teams around us. Onwards and upwards next year with a bit of work from Mick and Terry this summer!! Coyb!!
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bohslegend added 18:43 - May 8 @Minneapolis_ITFC you are missing the point about the 2 pages of comments. It seems we prefer to moan than give credit on this forum. Why can't the same (not all in fairness but many) moaners get on here in the same numbers with the same (ahem) "eloquence" so that we get 5 or 6 pages of support and encouragement? Because, God forbid, and I am sure they don't but if any players read some of the stuff on here they would not be too sure who the supporters are and who the boo boys are.

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Langdon_Blue added 19:33 - May 8 I'm not sure where the 'Dinosaur' nickname for McCarthy comes from. He last won promotion to the Premier League in 2009. Is that considered 'pre-historic'? That's a lot more recent than Premier League football being played at Portman Road. Hopefully the fact he finished in 7th, one place outside the playoffs the season before Wolves won promotion is a good omen. Come on Evans, give him the serious financial backing he deserves next season and go for it!!

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