Jamie Ward has fired Derby County into a narrow 1-0 lead over Birmingham City at half time.
The clash took some 30 minutes before coming to life, with Birmingham the team who will count themselves unlucky not to carry a slender advantage into the interval.
Towering striker Nikola Zigic rose highest to meet Barry Ferguson's corner but the Serbian's header crashed off the crossbar.
It would shortly prove a significant moment, as Steve McClaren watched his team take the lead.
The Blues' defence failed to deal with a low cross into the area, as Ward capitalised on the goal-mouth scramble to tap home from close range to give the Rams a half-time lead.
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