Rory Delap believes that the eventful nature of Derby County Under-18s’ late 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough will help his players develop in the long run.
After taking the lead twice, through Jack Stretton and then Jordan Mills, surrendering it and then drawing the scores level again through a late Jason Knight equaliser, Delap had some praise for his team.
Speaking to dcfc.co.uk, the professional development phase coach said: “I’m pleased that they showed character and that determination to get back in the game once they went behind.
“We conceded some soft goals and we haven’t looked like doing that this season, so that was the disappointing part of the game.
“But it was good to see them get the test of going in front, then with only 10 or 15 minutes left of the game to go 3-2 behind, and I’m pleased with how they approached that and stayed quite calm and to get it back go to 3-3.”
Delap added he thinks a rollercoaster match such as this can aid the development of young players, in learning to build character, stating: “I think it is important.
"There are twists and turns in the game and this game had everything, sometimes you’re okay when you’re one or two goals up but you’ll see the real test and how deep they will dig when they go behind.
“It’s a flip of emotions and I thought they handled that well today.”
For the third time in just six matches this season, the Rams found the net three times. All three goals came from instinctive movement and finishing, reacting quickest in the box and remaining calm to score.
This attacking prowess has pleased the manager, with Delap adding: “With the attacking players we have got we will always score goals.”
He went on to explain: “We work on that kind of thing daily. Individual drills in finishing sessions, we do small sided games.
“We challenge the players on second balls, ricochets, knockdowns, it is a huge part of the game. It can win, lose and get you back into games.
“It was pleasing to see, they were on the front foot, on their toes and brave to throw themselves in there.”
Next up for Delap's and Justin Walker’s side is West Bromwich Albion, who are currently in eighth place in the Under-18 Premier League North table, compared to Derby’s more promising looking third position.
Delap believes in using the experience of what happened against Middlesbrough to move forward and against The Baggies.
“We don’t want put this game to bed,” Delap added.
“We look to review the game first. Get the lads talking about it, any problems or anything that needs airing get that out and then start to look towards the West Brom game.
“If we see improvements in areas defensively that will be a positive to take that we conceded those three goals if we learn from it, that benefits them wherever they end up moving forward.”
Words by Jools Jordan-Probert
Images by Harry Marshall