The Blues were handed a sixth-minute lead through Callum Lang’s well-taken goal to cap a lovely move involving Colby Bishop and Josh Murphy.
However, on the stroke of half-time, Joe Ward broke down the right and his cross was turned home at close range by Patrick Agyemang to level.
John Mousinho's men were asked to defend strongly and largely kept the Rams at arm’s length from Nicolas Schmid, although the keeper produced a stunning late save to deny Agyemang’s header.
And here are our player ratings…
1. colby bishop during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Portsmouth at the Pride Park, Derby, England on 20 December 2025.
Pompey claimed a gritty point at Derby to build on last weekend's big win over Blackburn. Picture: Steve MoweProSportsImages Photo: Steve Mower
2. Nicolas Schmid - 8
Stunning late save to push Agyemang’s header over the bar to earn a point. Also nailed Kosznovszky out when the midfielder’s awful pass gifted Derby the ball, but the keeper stood firm to thwart Clark. Such a huge player. Photo: Graham Hunt
3. Terry Devlin - 7
Another eye-catching display from right-back as he continues to flourish. Some strong defending in the second half, especially. Had a great opportunity to extend Pompey’s first-half lead when clean through down the right, but produced a poor pull back. Moments later, Derby levelled. Photo: Graham Hunt
4. Hayden Matthews - 8
A third successive start for the youngster and a display to be applauded against the powerful Agyemang. Strong, good in the air and produced one tremendous late chase back and challenge to deny the striker when clean through. Also lasted the full 90 minutes. A real coming of age performance. Photo: Graham Hunt