Young Rams Look To Edge Closer To Title In Their Final Game

Derby County Under-18s will look to go six points clear at the top of the Premier League – North as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, kick-off: 11am.

The Rams currently lead second placed Liverpool by three points and have five better goal difference, although the Reds have a game in hand over Derby.

While this is the final game of the season for Justin Walker’s side, the Under-18s cannot be crowned champions until at least Tuesday, 30^th April when Liverpool face Manchester City.

For the Rams to become title winners on Tuesday they must better whatever result Liverpool achieve that night against Wolves on Saturday.

If the Premier League – North title is not decided on Tuesday it will go to the Reds’ final game of the season on Saturday, 4^th May against Middlesbrough.

Last time out the Rams suffered a setback in their title hopes in an unlucky 2-1 defeat against Manchester United last Saturday at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby.

As he has done on many occasions this season, Morgan Whittaker opened the scoring for Derby, he latched on to Lee Buchanan’s low cross to find the back of the net.

Derby were a whisker away from doubling their advantage on more than one occasion following the opener, but Whittaker and Callum Minkley both saw efforts deflect off the woodwork.

The Under-18s were made to pay for their missed chances as a Mason Greenwood double in the final 25 minutes saw the Rams’ good work go undone.

Saturday’s opponents, Wolves, have struggled for consistent form this season and suffered a 2-1 defeat against Middlesbrough on Wednesday; Luke Cundle scored their only goal of the game.

The West Midlands club currently sit 10^th in the Premier League – North table, having collected 14 points from 21 games.

Last time the Rams met Wolves Walker’s side were 2-1 winners at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby in December, with Tyree Wilson and Morgan Whittaker on the scoresheet.

Kick-off on Saturday at the Shrewsbury Sports Village is at 11am.

Words by Andrew Haines