Blackburn Rovers
Derby County’s Under-18s produced a stunning second-half fightback to beat Blackburn Rovers 3-2 in Premier League-North on Saturday afternoon.
The Rams found themselves two goals down early on, but strikes from Jayden Mitchell-Lawson, Yoann Greco and Morgan Whittaker completed an impressive comeback to ensure they returned to winning ways.
A fast start by Blackburn was taken full advantage of, and two close range headers from Flavien Enzo Boyomo and Kyle Connell saw them score twice within the first 11 minutes of the contest.
Derby soon produced some pressure of their own, however.
First, Ayomide Jibodu’s low shot was saved before a parried Max Bird strike fell to Jordan Mills inside the area.
The wing-back poked towards goal but his effort was well smothered by visiting keeper Matthew Campbell.
The Rams pressure eventually saw them reduce the deficit ahead of half-time through a Jayden Mitchell-Lawson penalty.
Jibodu was bundled over in the area, and Mitchell-Lawson calmly rolled the ball home to give his side a boost before the break.
In the second period, another spot kick for Derby gave them the opportunity to pull level early on as Morgan Whittaker was fouled and took the penalty himself.
He sent keeper Campbell the wrong way, but the ball cannoned back off the post.
A goal made from the substitutes bench did tie the match on 68 minutes.
A powerful run from Tyree Wilson saw him then find Yoann Greco in the area, and the attacker showed quick feet to work space and squeeze a shot into the corner of the net.
A remarkable comeback was complete with 10 minutes left on the clock, and Morgan Whittaker produced the goal of the game to win his side the three points.
He collected the ball on the right edge of the penalty box, drove forward with purpose and bent a delightful shot into the far corner.
Saturday’s win against Blackburn sees Derby move onto 23 points for the season and end a frustrating spell of four consecutive defeats.
The Rams’ next match sees them travel away from home to face Middlesbrough in two weeks’ time.
Their first match in the month of March is a home clash against fellow Midlands club West Bromwich Albion.
Middlesbrough U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 24th February 2018 (kick-off: 1pm)
Derby County U18s Vs West Bromwich Albion U18s – Saturday 3rd March 2018 (kick-off: 11am)
Liverpool U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 10th March 2018 (kick-off: 12pm)
Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 17th March 2018 (kick-off: 11am)
Derby County U18s Vs Stoke City U18s – Saturday 7th April 2018 (kick-off: 11am)
Words: Marc Walker
