Derby County Under-18s strengthened their chances of progression in the Premier League Cup after beating Sunderland 4-0 on Saturday afternoon.
A brace from Yoann Greco and further strikes from Morgan Whittaker and Tyree Wilson completed the scoring in a rampant first-half display from the Rams.
It didn’t take them long to go ahead in the match as Greco netted his first of the afternoon. A dangerous ball across from the right saw panic in the opposition box and the forward was on hand to bundle home in the second minute.
It was soon 2-0 and it was again Greco who was in the right place at the right time as he capitalised on a loose ball and tapped home to double the advantage.
Whittaker – celebrating a call-up to the England Under-18s squad this week – was also well involved in Derby’s attacking play. He tested the Sunderland keeper with a free-kick from range before eventually getting his name on the scoresheet too.
After a shot was smothered by visiting shot-stopper Patterson, the ball broke to the winger to fire a shot into the far corner.
A beautifully worked fourth goal would then see the Rams end the first-half in style. Wilson received the ball on the right-flank and produced some lovely combination play with Greco around the area before arrowing across goal and in.
Second-half efforts from Whittaker, Wilson and Greco went close to increasing their side’s advantage but they would have to settle for an already convincing 4-0 victory come full-time.
What’s To Come…
This result leaves the Rams in control of Group C of the Under-18s Premier League Cup after two comprehensive wins.
Their next game is on the 23rd November as they travel to face Liverpool in Premier League-North.
Clashes with Wolves and Aston Villa on the 1st and 8th December respectively then arrive before the Christmas break.
Next Five…
Liverpool U18s Vs Derby County U18s - Friday 23rd November 2018 (kick-off: 7pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s - Saturday 1st December 2018 (kick-off: 11pm)
Aston Villa U18s Vs Derby County U18s - Saturday 8th December 2018 (kick-off: 11am)
Derby County U18s Vs Manchester United U18s – Saturday 12th January 2019 (kick-off: 12pm)
Blackburn Rovers U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 19th January 2019 (kick-off: 12.30pm)