Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater produced a string of fine saves to keep out visitors Barnsley
Mifsud misses crucial chances for Tykes
Derby and Barnsley's Championship clash ended goalless as the visitors spurned numerous chances to secure victory.
Barnsley striker Michael Mifsud twice saw one-on-one chances saved by Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater.
Bywater also produced a stunning save to deny former Ram Jon Macken from point-blank range.
Cheered on by a capacity crowd, Derby started brightly and forced a corner in the opening minute when Andy Todd's cross was deflected behind by Bobby Hassell.
Barnsley survived the early scare and hit-back by creating two chances in as many minutes.
Close
Firstly, Hugo Colace's goalbound effort was blocked by on-loan Watford midfielder John Eustace then Jamal Campbell-Ryce shot into the side-netting from the left-hand side of the area.
Bywater's long throw set Gary Teale free down the left in the ninth minute - and the winger came within inches of scoring but looped his shot narrowly over the bar.
Barnsley went close with a similar effort soon afterwards when Anderson de Silva's chip from the edge of the box landed on the roof of the net.
The visitors were then presented with a golden chance to open the scoring. Robbie Savage's poor header allowed Macken to release Mifsud, but the Malta international's shot was blocked by Bywater.
Another long clearance by Bywater caused Barnsley problems on the stroke of half-time when goalkeeper Heinz Muller spilled the ball under a challenge from Rob Hulse, but Simon Davey's side managed to clear the danger.
Just as in the first half, it was the Rams who immediately created a chance after the break.
Steve Davies broke clear down the right wing and his cross was met by Eustace, but he headed straight into the arms of Muller.
From the goalkeeper's clearance, a short back pass by Todd allowed Mifsud a second one-on-one opportunity, but he again lost his nerve and Bywater saved with his feet.
Barnsley defender Robert Kozluk was forced off with an injury after 49 minutes, and he was replaced by Mounir El Haimour.
Threatening
The change coincided with Derby seeing more of the ball in their opponents half and Muller reacted well to push Eustace's shot wide after 65 minutes.
From the resulting corner, Todd was unable to direct his far-post header goalwards.
But Barnsley threatened again midway through the second half when Bywater failed to collect Andranik Teymourian's long free-kick. Stephen Foster was first to react to the loose ball but directed an overhead-kick straight at the goalkeeper.
Bywater had another lucky escape when he left El Haimour's deep cross from the left only to see it hit the post.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper redeemed himself by producing a superb save from to thwart Macken late in the game.
