Ade Akinbiyi took just 12 minutes to register his first goal for Sheffield United as the Blades' record signing secured a vital three Coca-Cola Championship points at 10-man Derby.

Making his debut, the £1.75million from Burnley netted with his only chance of the game, his 15th goal of the season moving his new side back to within seven points of runaway leaders Reading.

But that was only part of the story as the home side saw skipper Michael Johnson sent off before Tommy Smith missed a penalty, leaving them in the thick of the relegation battle.

Rams caretaker-boss Terry Westley altered half the outfield line-up in his first game in charge.

Transfer window signing Darren Moore made his debut at the back, Marc Edworthy was recalled at right-back, 17-year-old Giles Barnes earned his full debut in midfield, Lee Holmes was on the left wing, while Danny Graham ploughed a lone furrow up front.

Akinbiyi was the only change to United's starting XI, the 31-year-old replacing top scorer Steve Kabba in attack.

Having shipped nine goals in their previous two games it was no surprise to see the home side concede territory early on, with the visitors penning Derby inside their own half and forcing two early corners.

Paul Ifill soon won a free-kick which David Unsworth curled straight into the arms of Lee Camp, while at the other end Smith saw his left-foot curler held by Paddy Kenny.

But, as quick as a flash, United broke down the right-hand side, Ifill whipped in a cross and Akinbiyi rose completely unchallenged six yards out to open his account for his new club.

Inigo Idiakez, who earlier earned himself another suspension with his 10th booking of the season, almost provided an equaliser for Smith, his slide-rule pass fired straight at Kenny by the wide man.

Ifill thumped a left-foot half-volley over the bar, while more great vision from Idiakez put Smith clear again but United recovered to snuff out the danger.

However, they needed a double-stop from Kenny to preserve their lead, the keeper parrying Graham's stinging volley from Smith's lay-off before smothering the latter's attempt on the rebound.

Derby were starting to press, Smith joining Graham in attack, with the on-loan Middlesbrough youngster glancing Idiakez's cross wide.

Kenny saved his best for the stroke of half-time, springing magnificently to turn Johnson's looping header behind.

Derby picked up where they left off before the break, with United scrambling to clear their lines, although Ifill came close to bending in a stunning second from Neil Shipperley's lay-off.

Idiakez's influence continued as he curled a free-kick straight at Kenny, but moments later their hopes looked all but extinguished when Johnson was shown a straight red for a robust tackle on Ifill, despite appearing to get plenty of the ball before his follow-through lifted the winger off his feet.

Holmes was sacrificed for Richard Jackson, while Blades boss Neil Warnock eventually responded by removing Ifill - to a chorus of boos - and bringing on Keith Gillespie.

Shipperley almost made the man advantage tell when he brought a long ball expertly down on his chest, but his finish failed to match the control.

Gillespie fared much better with an outrageous effort with the outside of his right foot that hit the post.

Westley threw on Paul Peschisolido - who this week was appointed part of his interim management team - and it immediately looked to have paid off, Edworthy's cross hitting the hand of Chris Armstrong and referee Iain Williamson pointing to the spot.

But Smith's penalty was far too close to Kenny, who nevertheless got down terrifically to repel the ball to safety.

Shipperley should have made them pay when he ballooned Akinbiyi's neat flick over the bar, the veteran front-man's final contribution before being replaced by Kabba, who saw his stoppage-time strike cleared off the line by Jackson.

Teams

Derby Camp, Hajto, Michael Johnson, Moore, Edworthy, Smith,Bolder (Peschisolido 74), Idiakez, Barnes (Doyle 86),Holmes (Jackson 59), Graham.

Subs Not Used: Poole, Bisgaard.

Sent Off: Michael Johnson (57).

Booked: Idiakez, Holmes.

Sheff Utd Kenny, Geary, Bromby, Short, Unsworth,Ifill (Gillespie 68), Jagielka, Tonge, Armstrong, Akinbiyi,Shipperley (Kabba 82).

Subs Not Used: Morgan, Quinn, Montgomery.

Booked: Armstrong, Geary, Gillespie, Jagielka.

Goals: Akinbiyi 12.

Att: 26,275

Ref: I Williamson (Berkshire).