DERBY County recovered from a dismal first-half show to earn a point in a 1-1 draw against Bristol City at Ashton Gate tonight.
City, beaten play-off finalists last season, led at the break through record signing Nicky Maynard and would have been further ahead but for Rams goalkeeper Roy Carroll.
But Derby improved in the second half and midfielder Paul Green (pictured) struck the equaliser with his first goal for the club.
The home side were by far the better side in the opening 45 minutes.
Michael McIndoe was denied by Carroll as early as the fourth minute and a last-ditch tackle by Jay McEveley prevented Dele Adebola punishing poor defending.
But City went in front on 23 minutes when Maynard grabbed his first goal following his summer move from Crewe.
Gavin Williams found Brian Wilson on a surge into the box and the substitute’s low cross-shot was pushed out by Carroll for Maynard to knock the ball into the empty net from close range.
Williams’ volley from 20 yards dipped narrowly over and then Carroll did well to beat out a firm shot from Bradley Orr after a corner was only half cleared.
Derby had been disjointed and disappointing.
Their two efforts on target in the first half came from Kris Commons’ free kicks.
The first on 27 minutes was held by Chris Weale and the second, curled low round the wall by Commons, was kept out by the City goalkeeper at the foot of his right-hand post.
But the Rams drew level seven minutes after the break.
Lee Johnson was first to a cross from Commons but scuffed his attempted clearance straight to Green whose low shot from 10 yards had just enough power to beat Weale, despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball.
Suddenly belief swept through the Rams and Nathan Ellington sent a drive flashing wide after creating space for himself with clever footwork.
City huffed and puffed in search of a winner but found Derby stubborn at the back and Carroll, excellent in the first half, was not forced to make a save in the second.
Orr saw a powerful header blocked and Louis Carey went close with a header.
At the other end, Rams substitute Emanuel Villa tested Weale with a lofted cross and the Argentinian striker almost won it in the final minute but Weale saved his header.
BRISTOL CITY: Weale; Orr, McCombe (Wilson, 15), Carey, McAllister; Williams (Sproule, 75), Skuse, Johnson, McIndoe; Adebola (Brooker, 63), Maynard.
Other subs: Basso (gk), Trundle.
DERBY COUNTY: Carroll; Mears, Albrechtsen, Davis, McEveley; Pereplotkins (Davies, 46), Savage, Green, Commons; Ellington (Villa, 83), Hulse.
Other subs: Bywater (gk), Kazmierczak, Leacock.
REFEREE: S Attwell (Nuneaton).
ATTENDANCE: 16,389 (away fans 925).