Still no win for Saunders
Dean Saunders' winless start to his managerial reign at Wolves was extended to six games in an uneventful goalless draw against Derby at Pride Park.
The spectre of relegation continues to loom over Wanderers but they were a match for Saunders' former club, who still have an outside shot of making the play-offs.
Reading loanee Kaspars Gorkss was handed his Wolves debut and looks set to be a useful addition to Mick McCarthy's squad, but Bakary Sako was undoubtedly the visitors' most potent threat.
The hosts' line-up had more than a hint of youthfulness about it, with none of the starting XI over the age of 26.
It was Wolves who looked the more sprightly in the early stages. Jamie O'Hara's strike was tipped away by Adam Legzdins and Sako's inswinging corner moments later found Danny Batth but his header drifted wide.
Derby's first meaningful attempt followed a flowing passing move which ended with Stephen Ward firing just off target.
Karl Henry's foul on Craig Bryson handed Derby a free-kick in a promising position, but Ward, who had scored in each of his previous three appearances, could only direct his shot into the hands of Carl Ikeme.
The hosts grew into the game as the half wore on and Batth had to be alert to block Craig Bryson's effort from the edge of the box.
There was time before the break for O'Hara to hit a well controlled shot just wide from 20 yards out.
A wayward shot on the turn from Batth punctuated an otherwise entirely uneventful opening to the second half.
It was around the hour mark when the Rams threatened next, Sako's drilled effort forcing a strong save from Legzdins.
At the other end, Paul Coutts' half-cleared corner was fired back with interest by Will Hughes but his strike cleared the crossbar.
Substitute Michael Jacobs whipped in a teasing cross which Conor Sammon nodded wide of the right hand upright after 72 minutes.
Ward appeared to shove Henry inside the penalty area in the final minute but referee Graham Salisbury was unmoved by the visitors' protests.
Ward very nearly rubbed salt in the wound but his free-kick deep into stoppage time was kept out by Ikeme.
Wolves, now winless in nine, remain hanging precariously just above the drop zone.
Source: PA
Source: PA