Derby have been on a good run over the last four games, mostly drawing but at least with the teams who are heading up the Championship this season.

So with BBC Radio Five Live Extra covering the game when there were numerous Champions League qualifiers simultaneously being played, the media obviously thought it would be an interesting result from two relegatees from the Premiership last season.

Unfortunately, activity was rather limited.

Derby keeper Roy Carroll saved a strong effort from Mehdi Nafti in the first minute, denying the travellers an early lead.

But in the 26th minute, Birmingham’s Quincy Owusu-Abeyie fired in a worthy shot to take the Blues into a lead for the majority of the game.

Miles Addison and Paul Green were the only efforts for Derby that looked to take the home side level but the deadlock was finally broken in the 87th minute when Steve Davies fired home a late goal to give Derby their 5th game unbeaten.