Derby County’s Under-18s extended their unbeaten run to seven matches after a breathless 5-5 draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in Premier League-North on Saturday.

A brace from midfielder Jason Knight and further strikes from Morgan Whittaker, Jayden Mitchell-Lawson and Adam Davie saw the Rams score their highest goals tally of the season, but they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils come full-time.

The home side started the game well and deservedly took the lead when Louie Sibley produced a jinking run, and his resulting cutback found the onrushing Jason Knight. The midfielder connected well with his shot and powered the ball home after five minutes.

Not long after, the Rams doubled their lead when Morgan Whittaker worked the ball onto his left foot 20-yards from goal before firing a low strike past Wolves’ keeper Harry Beasley.

However, Wolves worked their way back into the game, and drew level through smart finishes from both Austin Samuels and Bradley Carr.

The away side would then go into half-time with the lead as Taylor Perry produced a lovely strike into the top corner to leave Rams ‘keeper Sam French with no chance.

In the second-half, a slow start from Derby allowed Wolves to extend their lead when Samuels added his second of the game with a rebound.

The Rams’ fighting spirit was clear to see though, and they grabbed their third shortly after. Midfielder Knight pounced upon a loose opposition pass before driving towards goal. He then showed great composure to calmly slide the ball beneath Beasley and into the net.

Perry then became the third player to score a brace in the match after an hour to make it 5-3 to Wolves, but Derby halved their advantage yet again through Mitchell-Lawson; the left-winger cutting across the 18-yard box and arrowing a shot into the far corner.

An action-packed match was complete when substitute Adam Davie levelled the scores at 5-5. Morgan Whittaker attacked the Wolves defence with purpose before turning the ball across goal, and Davie was on hand to place his shot home seven minutes from time.

What’s To Come…

Derby’s next game is away to Newcastle United, where they will be hoping to further extend their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions.

The 5-5 draw against Wolves sees them sit fourth in the Premier League-North on 16 points.

Walker’s and Delap’s side then start December with a home match against Everton.

Next 5…

Newcastle United Under-18s Vs Derby County Under-18s – Saturday 25^th November (kick-off: 12pm)

Derby County Under-18s Vs Everton Under-18s – Saturday 2^nd December (kick-off: 12pm)

Derby County Under-18s Vs Manchester City Under-18s – Saturday 9^th December (kick-off: 12pm)

Liverpool Under-18s Vs Derby County Under-18s – Saturday 13^th January (kick-off: 12pm)

Derby County Under-18s Vs Sunderland Under-18s – Saturday 20^th January (kick-off: 1pm)

Words by Marc Walker