Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler missed out on an early birthday present in the shape of a home victory against Derby.
Hessenthaler, 38 on Sunday, missed the game with back and hamstring problems, but watched from the touch line as his side dominated the first half on the newly laid Priestfield pitch.
Derby, having lost both their opening home games set their stall out at the start with a third minute booking for new signing Michael Johnson. However, he proved a solid and reliable figure at the back for the Rams and kept home striker Mamady Sidibe quiet.
Ian Cox starred on his home debut and John Hills also did well on his first appearance at Priestfield and Cox could have celebrated with a goal heading Nicky Southall's corner just wide.
Tommy Johnson went close twice in the first quarter of an hour and Paul Shaw, playing despite badly blistered feet, fired wide.
Hills' cross forced a good save from Derby keeper Lee Grant and Southall was inches away from giving Gillingham the lead just before half time.
Nyron Nosworthy was pushed up front when Shaw was forced off just after the interval but it was Derby who looked likely to break the deadlock.
Lee Bradbury, signed on loan from Portsmouth in midweek, fired a 12-yard shot straight at Jason Brown then Lee Morris, who replaced Izale McLeod on the hour, shot inches wide.
Gillingham though finished with a flourish and forced three quick corners.
However, Grant kept them out and also blocked a dangerous cross by Nosworthy, and then stopped a goal-bound effort from Tommy Johnson.
In the end both sides had to settle for a point a piece.
Hessenthaler said: "I took a lot of positives from the game but it was frustrating to see us not find the net and get the goals our good approach work deserved." Meanwhile George Burley, back at the club he played for in the late 80's, added: "My priority is keeping Derby in the first division this season. I am happy with the commitment we showed and the performances of the younger players, including 16-year-old Tom Huddlestone is very encouraging for the future."