Derby County Under-18s drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest in a closely contested East Midlands derby at Moor Farm Training Ground on Saturday morning.

An early goal from Niall McAndrew was cancelled out by a Forest penalty as the Rams were forced to settle for a point in Under-18 Premier League North.

Danny Maye’s side started brightly, as three minutes in Derby’s high press forced an error and McAndrew fired a fine effort into the bottom corner to give them the lead.

Chances were few and far between for the remainder of the half and McAndrew came close to doubling his and Derby’s tally. The high press caused Forest more issues, but McAndrew couldn’t direct his close-range effort on target.

Forest levelled things minutes before the half-time whistle, as Derby were penalised for a foul in the box and Conor Brown made no mistake from 12-yards.

Derby had the chance to regain the lead as Forest were deemed to have handled the ball in the box, but Justin Oguntolu saw his spot kick saved.

Derby dug deep but couldn’t break down a resolute Forest defence, as the spoils were shared in the East Midlands derby.

Maye’s side turn their attention to their away fixture at Leeds United on Saturday 6th April (12pm kick-off).

Derby County Under-18s: Price (GK), Gordon (Agustien 58), Gough, Hawkins, Osayande, Cox (C), Trialist, Eames (Canoville 90), Oguntolu, McAndrew (Tola 46), Osong (Green 67).

Substitutes Not Used: Hardy.

Words: Will Stanier.