Moor Farm Training Centre
Derby County Under-18s ran out as 2-1 winners against Burnley at Moor Farm Training Centre in the Premier League Cup on Wednesday afternoon.
Bradley Johnson’s side played out their first fixture of the 2025/26 Under-18 Premier League Cup and the visit of Burnley was their first of three fixtures in the Group stage of the competition.
The Rams are in a group alongside Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Reading’s Under-18 sides.
Burnley took the lead in the inaugural Premier League Cup clash, with Warren Taylor netting in the 32nd minute.
The Clarets took their lead into the half-time break, but Derby fought back strongly in the second half.
The Rams scored twice in three minutes with Braidy Connell-Webster drawing things level in the 55th minute.
With the bit between their teeth, Johnson’s side took advantage of their momentum and got in front via Israel Green in the 58th minute.
After the quickfire double, Derby held firm to maintain their lead and bag three points in Premier League Cup Group H.
The Under-18s' next Premier League Cup outing is away to Reading on Saturday 4th October (12pm kick-off), while they are back in league action in Premier League - North against Manchester United at Moor Farm on Saturday 30th August (12pm kick-off).
Derby County Under-18s: Dzialuk (GK), K Gordon, Stokes, Marriott, Connell-Webster, Hodges (Corry 65), Ward, Mintus (Harvey 75), Green, Clarke, Blake (Doyle 69).
Unused Substitutes: Rees (GK), Thomas.
“We controlled the play for the majority of the first half,” Under-18s Lead Coach Bradley Johnson said after the game.
“We were patient in our build-up and created a few chances, but the final pass and quality just let us down at times.
“We went 1-0 down after switching off from a throw-in, and Burnley gained momentum from this. In the second half, we reacted well and the boys showed fight and bravery on the ball.
“We scored a set play early on and then the game swung massively in our favour as the lads got confidence and momentum back, controlling the speed and tempo of the game, doing the ugly stuff really well and competing, which saw us make it 2-1 quickly.
“I was very pleased with how the lads dealt with things to get back in front and then after, as we had to defend with a lot of bodies on the line, making blocks and tackles, managing the game well and slowing it down.
“We showed a real togetherness, and it was good to see a positive reaction from going a goal down to come back and win the game.”
