Player ratings: Blues men graded as backs-to-the-wall effort secures away win at Derby

Bartosz Bialkowski

Made one outrageous save to deny Huddlestone’s deflected shot and patrolled his box well when under late pressure. Caught balls and punched away late on. 8

Jordan Spence

Was given the task of looking after former Town loanee and Derby dangerman Lawrence and, in the main, did his job well. Did not get forward anywhere near as often as Iorfa has from right back, but equally was more solid. 7

Luke Chambers

Made a fantastic tackle to thwart Vydra while he was last man and looked calm and assured at the back both in the air and on the ground. Booked for a cynical foul on old team-mate Lawrence – probably the right decision as Derby stormed forward – and is now suspended for Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest. 7

Callum Connolly celebrates his early goal at Derby Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd.07976 935738)

Adam Webster

Showed his ability with his feet as he sprayed a ball for Ward to start an attack and helped keep Nugent supremely quiet before the striker was replaced at the break. Like the rest of his team-mates, was stretched in the second half but was part of a backline which stood firm. 7

Jonas Knudsen

You know what you are going to get with the Danish left back and he was once again a good performer. Lost possession a couple of times in dangerous areas but defended well as he was often left unsupported behind Celina. 6

Cole Skuse

Kept things ticking over well in the middle of midfield, put his foot in for tackles and passed the ball well to his team-mates. A very calm display from Town’s midfield constant. 7

Callum Connolly

His superb headed goal gave Town the lead and he was a real nuisance all night as he scuttled around midfield, battled in the air and on the ground and also got a number of Town moves going. Is proving to be a real asset. 8

Grant Ward

One of his best displays of the season to date as he plugged away down the right flank, hugging the touchline on occasion, and linked up well with Waghorn. Was on the back foot in the second period but did his job defensively. 7

Emyr Huws

Still clearly short of full match fitness but performed well in an advanced midfield role, where he saw plenty of the ball. Also made a number of headed clearances from corners. 6

Bersant Celina

Worked hard, saw plenty of the ball in areas where he was able to run at defenders, but the killer ball or stunning shot was missing. Gave the ball away on a few occasions and pulled out of a few challenges. 6

Martyn Waghorn

Given a rare chance through the middle and performed well, proving an outlet for his team-mates – especially in the channels. Had few real sights of goal and had penalty appeals turned away. 8

Freddie Sears (for Celina, 60)

Came on and was his usual busy self, would have been relieved to see nothing come after he gave the ball away cheaply late on. 6

Flynn Downes (for Huws, 60)

First action since the October defeat at Cardiff last month but added some grit to the Ipswich midfield when it needed it. 6

Tristan Nydam (for Connolly, 72)

Another appearance for the youngster, who played his part in a supreme defensive effort. 6