Derby County’s Under-21s were beaten 3-1 by Sunderland in their latest Premier League 2 outing on Monday night.

The long journey to the North East failed to provide Jake Buxton’s side with their first league victory of the 2023/24 season.

Adil Aouchiche put Sunderland in front after 25 minutes to open the scoring after a stong start before Ellis Taylor’s penalty six minutes later had the Black Cats in the driving seat.

Striker Dajaune Brown pulled a goal back on the hour for the Rams from distance, his third goal of the season, but Harry Gardiner went on to add a late third for the home side with a diving header to ensure they picked up all three points.

The Under-21s face a quick turnaround in Premier League 2 action as they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Alfreton Town’s Impact Arena on Friday evening (7pm kick-off).

Derby County Under-21s: Evans (GK), Moore, Jeffcott, Robinson, Radcliffe, Cox, Richards (Fapetu 79), Johnson (Bates 90), Brown, Weston (Lindsay 90), Gibson-Hammond (Moloney 70).

Substitutes Not Used: Ridd (GK).