Under-21s
Offrande Zanzala scored the only goal as Derby County Under-23s opened their Premier League Cup campaign with a thoroughly professional 1-0 win away at Birmingham City, despite ending with 10 men.
After a low-key first half, the Rams came out firing after the break and they were rewarded by Zanzala’s winner just five minutes into the second period.
The striker was later given a straight red card for an innocuous clash with Birmingham defender Daniel Cleary.
First-team squad members George Thorne, Ikechi Anya and Jason Shackell all completed 90 minutes at the Birmingham County FA.
The home side perhaps edged the first half, with the pace of forward Kyle McFarlane causing problems throughout as Birmingham went the closest of the two sides.
Derby grew into the tie with Thorne continuing his recovery from injury with a solid performance in midfield, and it was his range of passing that started several attacks for Darren Wassall’s side.
His cross-field ball created an opening for Anya before Callum Guy fired wide, whilst Zanzala had the ball in the net not long after, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The striker went close again on the stroke of half-time with a slick turn and shot, but it flew inches wide.
After a tight first half, Derby came out and took control of the game.
For a 15-minute spell after the break, Wassall’s side looked unstoppable and they took advantage of their dominance after just five minutes of the half.
Anya sped past his marker and fired a shot against the post that fell to Luke Thomas, and when his rebound was saved, Zanzala was on hand to tap home.
Direct running from Thomas, Zanzala and Lewis Walker caused the away side serious problems and Zanzala nearly had his second after beating his man but his shot struck the post.
A battle was developing between Zanzala and Cleary, and after the pair appeared to clash off the ball the Rams' number 9 was given his marching orders.
That moment didn’t turn out to be a catalyst for a late fightback, as Derby held firm to see out time and secure the three points.
Derby County U23s: Barnes; Bateman, Cover, Shackell, Karic; Thorne, Guy; Walker, Thomas, Anya; Zanzala.
Substitutes not used: Ravas, Macdonald, Wassall, Babos, Stabana.
Birmingham City U23s: Weaver; Dacres-Cogley, Cleary, Seddon; Hutton, Mulders (Lubala 68), O’Keeffe, Timms (Storer 55); Lakin, McFarlane, Bailey (McCoy 28).
Substitutes not used: Siviter, Martin.
Zanzala’s winning goal was just reward for an electric Derby start to the second half.
The Rams dominated but it was crucial they made it count on the scoresheet, and the fact that both Thomas and then Zanzala beat their markers to the loose ball in the area showed the intensity and quality of the performance.
Thomas caught the eye with a vibrant performance in midfield which was more than worthy of the number 10 shirt on his back.
Birmingham struggled to cope with his direct running both with and without the ball, as he constantly put pressure on the Blues’ backline as well as providing quality with the ball at his feet.
The Under-23s face Liverpool in the Premier League 2 at St George’s Park on Monday 16th October, whilst their next Premier League Cup fixture is against Nottingham Forest at Pride Park on 6th November.
