Nigel Pearson's side booed off after third defeat on the bounce

Substitute Luke Varney's goal decided this clash watched by a record-low crowd for the season.

Nigel Pearson’s woes are mounting at goal-shy Derby after being booed off following a third straight loss.

His old side Leicester are preparing for their Champions League debut tonight after winning the Premier League. But Pearson, sacked by the Foxes 15 months ago, instead has big worries in his new job with County struggling in the Championship.

Derby have still only scored one league goal all season despite dominating this clash against Ipswich, and their attendance of 26,425 was lowest this term.

But Pearson’s men failed to capitalise and were undone by a 53rd minute goal from sub Luke Varney against his old club with Town’s first shot on target.

Pearson is trying for a more direct style and his ­alterations are clearly a work in progress.

Town keeper Bartosz Bialkowski was forced into a good low save in the eighth minute from Matej Vydra before the ball was scrambled clear.

Bialkowski was called into action again on 29 minutes to stop Craig Bryson’s right-foot effort.

Recent Rams signing Ikechi Anya looked lively and had two powerful shots charged down by Town’s defence.

Will Hughes won a free-kick outside the visitors’ area which Jacob Butterfield curled narrowly wide.

But Ipswich continued to frustrate the hosts as James Wilson had a low shot saved just before the break.

Unimpressed Town boss Mick McCarthy made a double change at the interval sending on Tom Lawrence and Varney.

And they took the lead against the run of play as sub Varney scored with a rising shot from outside the area.

Derby piled forward to chase an equaliser but Town held firm.

Daily Mirror