Let’s start with praising the Blues players for their effort and passion, once again. Not one ball went uncontested and the players gave their all for the cause.
At times, Gary Rowett’s men played some decent stuff, particularly in the first half. Stephen Gleeson, who was superb throughout, deserved his first goal in the Royal Blue shirt. Gleeson has become a pivotal part of Rowett’s side with his ability to keep Blues ticking, keep the ball moving. His understanding with Maikel Kieftenbeld has shown early promise and will continue to blossom.
Derby will count themselves as rather unlucky. They created enough chances to win three games and the woodwork took a battering. But, as is always the case in football, their failure to convert their chances meant they had to settle for a share of the spoils.
But for a world class Tomasz Kuszczak save, and an inch less of paint on the frame of the goal, it could have been Blues’ first defeat of the season.
For a neutral watching the game courtesy of the Sky cameras, it was a fantastic game and a great advert for Championship football.
If Blues battle and work as hard as they have done in the opening three games, nobody will have any qualms. For what Dimmy Gray and David Cotterill lacked in attacking prowess last night, they made up for in defensive commitment. If a wingers attitude is as good as those pair, a defenders job becomes a lot easier.
Jonathan Spector carried on his impressive start to the campaign with another solid display. He’s looking a different player now, confident and settled. His partnership with Michael Morrison may have been seen as a make-shift one a few months ago, but now it could become a vital one as Blues’ season shapes-up.
All in all, it was a well earned point in a very entertaining game. Derby will be there or thereabouts come May, as will Burnley, so Rowett can tell his troops to hold their heads up high for competing with the money men and the supposed promotion favourites.
Twitter @TheWildeyShow
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