DERBY County were frustrated by managerless Cardiff City in a goalless first half at the iPro Stadium.
The Rams dominated the opening period but were unable to break the deadlock.
Cardiff were indebted to keeper David Marshall, who made good saves to deny Chris Martin and Jamie Ward.
However, the first chance fell to the visitors inside two minutes - Aron Gunnarsson sending a free header over the bar from Anthony Pilkington's free kick.
Derby were soon on top, though, and in the ninth minute, Martin combined well with Will Hughes but Marshall blocked well as the striker attempted to lift the ball into the net.
Simon Dawkins had the ball in the net moments later, from another Hughes pass, but the flag was up for offside.
Dawkins then fired over after good work from Craig Forsyth and Martin.
Marshall took a risk by racing out of his goal to challenge Forsyth in the 16th minute but referee Andre Marriner ruled that he got the ball before the man.
The Rams went close again after 28 minutes when Cyrus Christie's low cross from the right broke to in-form Ward, whose fierce drive was beaten away by Marshall.
Ward's centre was then cleared as far as Hughes, whose volley was deflected narrowly wide, off Dawkins.
Bryson headed wide from another Ward cross, with Pilkington and Craig Noone both sending long-range efforts over the bar either side of that chance.
