Derby County’s Under-21s are still searching for their first Premier League 2 - Division 2 point of the 2022/23 season following a 4-0 home defeat to Sunderland on Sunday.

Max Thompson’s close-range finish after 20 minutes had the Rams behind at the break and two further second half goals from Thompson, to complete his hat-trick, and Owen Robinson ensured it was the Black Cats that claimed all three points at Moor Farm Training Ground.

Following back-to-back defeats to start the season, 5-2 at home to Leeds United and 3-1 away to Middlesbrough earlier this month, Pat Lyons’ side went into the contest looking to make home advantage count and kick-start their campaign.

Following an even start to the contest, with forward George Nunn curling an effort just wide from distance for the Rams, Sunderland took the lead just before the midway point of the half. Michael Spellman squared the ball to Thompson to finish from a few yards after Foulkes had done well to keep out Caden Kelly’s initial effort.

Foulkes made another fine save late in the half, this time diving to his right to push Spellman’s powerful effort onto the post before the Rams cleared the danger.

Derby threatened going forward but they were unable to create clear chances and their only real opportunity before the end of the half came through midfielder Cian Kelly-Capriani inside the box, but he saw his strike blocked at the expense of a corner.

Sunderland strengthened their grip on the game on the hour mark, following a low-key start to the second period, with the forward heading into the back of the net after Robinson did well down the right to deliver a cross.

Derby weren’t lacking in effort and desire, but they weren’t able to impose themselves enough on the match and Sunderland added a third with just over 15 minutes remaining. A long ball forward from the back was laid into the path of Robinson, who burst clear on goal and slotted beyond the onrushing Foulkes.

The Rams came close to pulling a goal back when Ola Ibrahim hit the bar with a long-range effort before a fourth goal for the visitors followed late on, with Thompson on target once more to complete his hat-trick. The Black Cats won possession high up the pitch and when the striker was presented with the ball inside the box, he made no mistake with a low finish beyond Foulkes.

Next up for Derby’s Under-21s in Premier League 2 - Division 2 is a long journey north to face Newcastle United at Whitley Park, home of the Northumberland FA, on Friday 26th August (7pm kick-off).

Derby County Under-21s: Foulkes (GK), Brailsford (Tamplin 71), Burton (Fevrier 46), Bates, Robinson (C), Grewal-Pollard, Kelly-Caprani, Hawkins (Qureshi 81), Cybulski, Nunn, Ibrahim.

Substitutes Not Used: Roberts (GK), Evans (GK).

Sunderland Under-21s: Carney (GK) (C), Kachosa (Wilson 78), Newall, Chuabi (Pye 76), Johnson, Jessop, Spellman, Middlemass, Thompson, Robinson, Kelly.

Substitutes Not Used: Bond (GK), Bainbridge, Burke.