Everton
Derby County’s Under-18s concluded their 2017/18 Premier League Cup group-stage campaign with a battling 1-0 win at home to Everton on Saturday afternoon.
The Rams were made to work hard to keep themselves on top in the game, but it would be Jayden Mitchell-Lawson’s second-half penalty that proved decisive and extended his team’s unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games.
Derby started the quickest and were nearly ahead after 10 minutes when winger Mitchell-Lawson worked space well on the left. His shot at goal looped off an opponent and looked bound for the corner of the net, but the ball was cleared well off the line by an Everton defender.
At the other end, Rams ‘keeper Sam French had to stay alert to keep the scores level. A fast counter attack from Everton saw Manasse Mampala put through on goal, but French was there to smother the striker’s shot well.
The home side would finish the first-half strongly. First, Morgan Whittaker saw his curling effort tipped wide by Toffees’ keeper Nico Hansen when cutting in from the right, and then midfielder Jason Knight directed a free header just wide from a corner.
Whittaker would also be heavily involved early in the second period. His mazy run ended with an effort destined for the bottom corner which was tipped wide, before he found himself through on goal 10 minutes later. However, his low strike was well blocked by Hansen.
The Rams soon got the afternoon’s decisive goal when they were awarded a penalty. Mitchell Lawson attacked the Everton defence and was subsequently tripped as he took on his marker. The left-winger then picked himself up to roll the spot-kick in and give his side a deserved lead.
Walker’s and Delap’s side will now have to await other results to see if they progress into the knock-out stages of the Premier League Cup.
The Rams return to Premier League action next weekend as they welcome league leaders Manchester City to the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby.
Derby will go into that game in confident mood having not lost a competitive fixture since September, including two wins and four draws in the league.
Walker’s and Delap’s side then begin their FA Youth Cup campaign when they host Manchester United on Wednesday 13th December.
Derby County Under-18s Vs Manchester City Under-18s – Saturday 9th December (kick-off: 12pm)
Derby County Under-18s Vs Manchester United Under 18s – Wednesday 13th December (kick-off: 7pm)
Liverpool Under-18s Vs Derby County Under-18s – Saturday 13th January (kick-off: 12pm)
Derby County Under-18s Vs Sunderland Under-18s – Saturday 20th January (kick-off: 1pm)
Manchester United Under-18s Vs Derby County Under-18s – Saturday 3rd February (kick-off: 12pm)
Words by Marc Walker
Images by Harry Marshall
