More cash, less flow

Derby County 1 Burnley

The Derby team's relief at finding their bank account replenished inspired them only to be generous to their opponents as Burnley put a dreadful start behind them with a first win of the season at Pride Park.

Robbie Blake was the key figure, scoring from the penalty spot and providing the important "assist" when Derby's captain, Warren Barton, put through his own goal as a 1-0 half-time deficit was overturned in the space of five frenzied minutes at the start of the second half.

Derby had their noses in front after seven minutes, their confidence at first seemingly unaffected by the troubles in which the club find themselves off the field. Burnley's goalkeeper, Marlon Beresford, had already blocked a close-range header by Adam Boulder when he was beaten by a low, measured shot by the same player, whose drive from the right went in off the opposite post.

The visiting side had not scored a goal since the opening day of the season and, although they were missing two strikers, gave plenty of clues as to why. But the second half was a different story as Blake's penalty followed by Barton's own goal turned the contest on its head, and on balance the result was fully deserved.

Little was involved in the move that led to Blake celebrating his first goal for the club in eight months, converting from the spot after being tripped by Chris Riggott. He played a key role too before Blake drove a low cross from the right, Barton's outstretched foot diverting the ball into his own net past goalkeeper Andy Oakes, who was subsequently substituted with a groin injury.

It was a game played against a background of continuing uncertainty over the future of the East Midlands club, crippled by debts of £30 million following relegation from the Premiership. Faced with a revolt among the players, one of who gave notice to quit, Derby were able to reach agreement with the Co-operative Bank to pay overdue August salaries only on the eve of the match. Meanwhile, possible takeover or refinancing deals seem some way away from fruition.

At least Lionel Pickering, the club's chairman, was able to offer a modicum of comfort to worried supporters yesterday when he suggested talk of placing the club in administration was off the mark. But he revealed how desperate Derby are for new funds by announcing that the club are to seek exemption from the new rules on transfers.

With no immediate prospect of a takeover deal agreeable to the board – Pickering is thought to be personally owed £8m – Derby's only real hope of raising cash is to find buyers for players such as Malcolm Christie and Mart Poom.

With the new transfer deadline having passed last week, there is seemingly no opportunity for further sales until the next "window" in January, but Pickering said last night: "We will be asking if the rules can be relaxed for clubs in our circumstances."

Derby County 1
Bolder 8

Burnley 2
Blake pen 51, Barton og 55

Half-time: 1-0 Attendance: 22,343