A first-half blast by Arnaud Mendy and Alex Prijovic saw Derby's under-18 side keep up the pressure at the top of Group D of the FA Premier Academy League last weekend.

David Lowe's side travelled to Sheffield United looking to build on their recent good form that also saw them see off the Blades' city rivals in their previous outing.

And though they were met by a United side who made them work hard for the points, Derby travelled home victorious.

In the first half they held off some early home pressure before opening the scoring on 20 minutes through French youngster Mendy, who took advantage as the Blades failed to clear a dangerous set-piece.

And on the half-hour mark Derby's lead was doubled.

The visiting defence stood firm to keep out a corner and from the resulting counter-attack, Prijovic (pictured) raced away to lift the ball over United's goalkeeper.

It was game-on again midway through the second half however when the home side found themselves back in it thanks to a penalty, especially as Derby had been reduced to ten men with Alex Forde dismissed for picking up a second yellow card.

They pressed for an equaliser as time ticked on but the Rams kept a tight grip on the points.

Line-up v Blades: Jake Kean, Alex Forde, Mark Dudley (C), Jermaine Johnson, Kallum Keane, Jack Booth (Jeff Hendrick 85), Greg Mills, Arnaud Mendy, Alex Prijovic, Henrik Ojamaa (Luke Garton 65), Ryan Connolly.

Substitutes: James Severn (GK), Kamahl Whight, Aaron Dillon.