Derby County 1 Barnsley 1: Draw specialists Reds proving difficult to beat

The Rams dominated for large spells at Pride Park but were largely denied by a magnificent performance from Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele.

And the Tykes even threatened to steal all three points when Jacob Butterfield profited from some poor defending to open the scoring from close range 10 minutes before the interval.

Derby’s attackers squandered several chances to draw level but Barnsley’s defender Bobby Hassell brought down Ben Davies to gift the hosts a spot-kick.

Steve Davies did not waste the opportunity and his side laid siege to the visitors’ goal for the remaining half hour but could not find a winning goal.

It was Derby’s goalscorer who came closest to netting but his free header in injury time sailed over as Barnsley hung on.

Former Barnsley defender Jason Shackell’s long-range strike was the closest Derby came to scoring in the first half before the Tykes went ahead after 35 minutes.

Ricardo Vaz Te’s cross from the left was insufficiently dealt with and Butterfield prodded home from close range.

Derby: Fielding, Brayford, O’Brien, Shackell, Roberts (Anderson 16), Ben Davies, Bryson, Hendrick, Ward, Steve Davies, Robinson (Cywka 90). Unused substitutes: Legzdins, Croft, Maguire.

Barnsley: Steele, Hassell, McNulty, Foster, McEveley (Wiseman 38), O’Brien, Perkins (Digby 33), Drinkwater, Vaz Te (Rose 77), Butterfield, Gray. Unused substitutes: Preece, Clark.

Referee: N Miller (Durham).