Derby County’s Under-18s fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Sunderland in Premier League – North on Saturday.

The Rams created plenty of good chances to score in the game, but a second-half strike from Sunderland’s Jordan Hickey would be enough to take the three points.

After a cagey, but highly competitive opening 20 minutes, Derby would have the game’s first chance.

Henry Wise controlled the ball well in the box and made space for a shot, but his effort was straight at Sunderland ‘keeper Anthony Patterson.

Jordan Mills would then go close as Derby looked to take control of the game. He found himself with a clear run through on goal, but could only fire a low shot into the side-netting.

Goalkeeper Matt Yates was largely untroubled for the first-half, but had to keep concentration to deal with some speculative long-range efforts.

In the second period, Mills would almost break the deadlock again. He worked space for a quick shot, but Patterson was equal to it and turned over the bar.

Jayden Mitchell-Lawson was proving to be trick on the right-wing. Twice he beat his man and produced dangerous low crosses, but substitute Morgan Whittaker turned both of his efforts just wide.

Despite all of the home side’s pressure, Sunderland took the lead in the 85^th minute. A cleverly worked attack saw a bouncing cross travel across the face of goal, and Jordan Hickey was on hand to turn in.

Derby almost equalised late on however, when Louie Sibley’s goal-bound shot was excellently turned wide by Patterson.

What’s to Come…

The loss to Sunderland sees Derby stay in fifth place in Premier League – North with 20 points from 13 games.

The Rams’ next Premier League – North match is on 3^rd February when they travel to face Manchester United away from home.

The following weekend sees Justin Walker’s and Rory Delap’s side return to the Derby County Training Centre for a home clash with Blackburn Rovers.

Next Five…

Manchester United U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 3^rd February 2018 (kick-off: 12pm)

Derby County U18s Vs Blackburn Rovers U18s – Saturday 10^th February 2018 (kick-off: 12:30pm)

Liverpool U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Friday 16^th February 2018 (kick-off: 7pm)

Middlesbrough U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 24^th February 2018 (kick-off: 1pm)

Derby County U18s Vs West Bromwich Albion – Saturday 3^rd March 2018 (kick-off: 11am)

Words by Marc Walker

Images by Harry Marshall