Derby County’s Under 18s began their 2017/18 Premier League – North campaign with a well-deserved point against Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool.

In a game of two halves at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby, Liverpool began brightest and, after just nine minutes, had the ball in the back of the net through Glen McAuley, but it was ruled out for offside.

Morgan Whittaker was then presented with a golden opportunity himself to take the lead after he was brought down in the box, however, a firm hand from goalkeeper Dan Atherton stopped Derby from capitalising from the penalty spot.

It took 41 minutes before the scoring was officially opened and Gerrard’s side claimed the advantage thanks to a superbly place header inside the box from the captain Liam Coyle.

Substitute Jack Stretton then claimed the equaliser after just six minutes of play in the second-half as he turned in Jason Knight’s well-delivered cross following a scramble in the box.

After holding out until the end for a draw, Walker spoke to RamsTV immediately after and heaped praise on a number of individuals – in particular for their second half showing.

He said: “We can take a lot of positives out of the game.

“I was really pleased with Jayden Mitchell-Lawson. I thought that the quality moments from the game came through him and I think he’s showed a lot of promise in the match.

“I have to give another mention to a player in the middle of the pitch. I though Jason Knight was instrumental in turning the game around for us.

“The energy and determination that he showed was excellent and it will be something that, going forward, we will be asking all the players to start showing more of.”

What’s to Come…

After a draw on the opening day, Derby currently sit joint top of the league with Liverpool as the rest of the Premier League-North fixtures are set to be played on Saturday.

Back-to-back away games now follow for the Rams.

They head to Finch Farm next weekend to face Everton on Saturday 19th August, before Walker’s and Delap’s side travel north to the Academy of Light to take on Sunderland in their last league fixture of August on Saturday 26th.

Derby Under-18s' Next Five Fixtures...

Derby County U18s Vs Notts County U18s (Friendly) – Wednesday 16^th August (kick-off: 2pm)
Everton U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 19^th August (kick-off: 12pm)
Sunderland U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 26^th August (kick-off: 1pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Mansfield Town U18s (Friendly) – Wednesday 13^th August (kick-off: 1pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Manchester United U18s – Saturday 9^th September (kick-off: 12pm)