Joel Lynch struck in the 82nd minute to ensure Huddersfield Town shared the spoils with Birmingham City and extended the unbeaten run to four games.

It was the least Town deserved, and they were perhaps a shade unlucky not to triumph in a close encounter.

Here's what we learned from the season's penultimate home game...

Aston Villa taunts emphasise end-of-season feel

Town fans were greeted at the John Smith's Stadium by the sight of a claret and blue coffin being paraded through the car park by the visiting contingent. Sadly it didn't find its way into the away end.

Taunts at the plight of Birmingham's cross-city rivals echoed around the ground, and it's perhaps understandable that it is Aston Villa who are providing the end-of-season joy for Birmingham fans, who from the dizzying heights of second earlier in the campaign have watched all hopes of the play-offs wither and die.

It emphasised a truth, that this game was effectively a dead rubber, with neither side having anything to play for in the final three games of the season other than pride.

Fans and players always want to win, but there is a noticeable edge missing in these end-of-season encounters.

With no issues of their own left to settle, a relegation for their bitterest rivals has taken precedence in Birmingham.

Town fans will be singing about their own team at Bristol City on Saturday, but the same end of term sensations will be in attendance again at Ashton Gate.

Watch: Town fans at Birmingham

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Matmour making his case

David Wagner cautioned that he would take his time in making the decision over whether to add Karim Matmour to the squad next season.

The Algerian is on a short-term deal until the end of the season but Town have a one-year option.

He has shown his ability in flashes and yesterday he made a strong case for his Yorkshire stay to be extended.

Coming off the bench for Jamie Paterson, one of two changes that didn't go down particularly well with the supporters, he pressed, harried and drove forward down the left wing in search of the equaliser and then a winner.

Sky Bet Championship - Huddersfield Town (1) v Birmingham City (1) - Karim Matmour.

He was desperately unlucky not to win it at the death with a spectacular overhead kick that drew a stunning reaction save from Tomasz Kuszczak.

But he showed his industry as well, refusing to give up on any ball and linking up with Wells to good effect.

He isn't likely to start every week, but he's doing his best to show he has plenty to offer in blue and white stripes.

Set piece specialist on the shopping list

Town have tried a few different players in the position of free kick master, but none have excelled in the position.

Harry Bunn, Jamie Paterson and Nahki Wells have all tried their hand at it, while yesterday Joe Lolley was unable to make Birmingham pay when they conceded a number of fouls in promising positions.

Not only does the threat of a set piece specialist caution defenders when thinking about taking out an opponent around the box, it's a wonderful weapon to have in the locker - particularly in tight games.

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If anyone needed any further evidence, look at yesterday's opponents, who scored from a free kick via the boot of David Cotterill with one of their only genuine oppotunities.

Can we add that skill to the list of summer shopping requirements?

Experience, meet naivety

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Speaking of Cotterill's goal, it was disheartening to see it given in the first place.

That's no slight on the referee, who made the correct decision, something that cannot be said of Dean Whitehead.

One of the most experienced heads on the field, why he was making that tackle in that area when Cotterill was lurking is anyone's guess.

It's not the first time this season that Town have given away silly free kicks to teams happy to profit, and it isn't the first time that Cotterill has stepped up to hurt Town.

We have seen a big improvement in that area since the turn of the year, but it's frustrating to see it rear its head again - and not from an inexperienced youngster, but from someone who has seen it all and normally possesses a deal more nous.

Dean has been an outstanding signing and has a strong case for Player of the Year, but that decision was costly.

Dempsey stakes a right back claim

Sky Bet Championship - Derby County (2) v Huddersfield Town (0) - Jacob Butterfield and Kyle Dempsey.

His manager has said before that he sees Kyle Dempsey competing for a slot at right back and he made the point again following the final whistle on Saturday.

The former Carlisle man is a midfielder by trade, but has also deputised at left back earlier this term. He's still trying to find his place in this competitive squad, and it will be interesting to see what happens from here.

Wagner has said he wants competition for Tommy Smith, and if someone in the squad cannot provide it than it's something he may look to address in the summer.

Dempsey worked hard, putting in some decent tackles defensively and several excellent crosses offensively.

He's new to the role and there are kinks to be worked through, undoubtedly, but if he can get more chances in the position there is no reason why he shouldn't be the competition Wagner craves.