Derby County's under 18s were on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller this morning.

The Rams were beaten 4-3 by Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League Academy in a topsy-turvy encounter at Moor Farm.

Blackburn stormed into a 2-0 lead by the half hour, but Darren Wassall's side showed great character to haul themselves onto level terms by the break.

Striker Callum Ball pulled a goal back with a brave header before Aaron Cole fired home late in the first half to level the scores.

It was nothing more than Wassall's team deserved, as they dug deep to recover from the blow of conceding two quick-fire goals.

Their heads never dropped, and Ball's brave effort typified what Derby were all about as he got his head in where it hurts and he took a nasty whack for his troubles.

Derby took the lead for the first time midway through the second half when Ball headed home from close range.

Again, it was nothing more than Derby deserved as O'Brien's header back across goal was converted by the frontman.

Derby had turned the game on its head, with Blackburn on the back foot and unable to contend with Derby's pace and endeavour.

Cole had a chance to make it 4-2, but a late challenge denied him just as he was about to pull the trigger.

Powerhouse Ball was central to Derby's attacking play, and has looked in impressive form for the under 18s and reserves this season.

But just when it looked like Derby were going to seal their first win of the season, the visitors scored twice in the final ten minutes to win the game.

The under 18s head to Liverpool next Saturday, which will be their third game of the season.