Derby County’s Under-18s were beaten 2-1 at West Ham United in their second Premier League Cup Group B fixture of the 2023/24 season.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes in the capital, Derby took the lead early in the second half through striker Lennon Wheeldon after being set up by midfielder Cruz Allen.

Joshua Ajala equalised for the home side within ten minutes, before Daniel Rigge went on to score what turned out to be the winner for the Hammers midway through the second half.

The result leaves the Rams third in Group B with three points from their two matches in the Premier League Cup so far, following a 3-2 success at home to Middlesbrough last month.

The Under-18s’ next Premier League Cup clash will see them host Arsenal at Moor Farm Training Ground on Saturday 25th November (12pm kick-off), knowing a win will see them through to the knockout stages, while they will return to Premier League – North action on Saturday 28th October at Everton (12pm kick-off).

Derby County Under-18s: Price (GK), Gordon, Gill, Osayande (Banks 64), Robinson, Simons (Oguntolu 81), Allen, Hawkins (Tola 81), Osong (McAndrew 50), Eames (Agustien 81), Wheeldon.