Proctor Cars Stadium
Derby County Under-21s secured all three points with a one-goal win at home against Middlesbrough in Premier League 2 on Friday night.
Justin Oguntolu’s strike just before the hour mark was all that was needed to ensure Derby could claim all three points at the Proctor Cars Stadium.
The Young Rams’ defence was immense as they kept out a keen Boro side late on, after taking their chance when it came.
It was an evenly matched game throughout the first half, with nothing to separate the sides.
The first meaningful chance came from Niall McAndrew, who had his goal-bound shot blocked inside the box.
Middlesbrough had the chance to go 1-0 up, but the header was comfortably saved by Harley Price, who looked to quickly launch an attack for the Young Rams.
The away side once again came on the attack, seeking a first goal through Layton Campbell, who narrowly dragged his shot wide of the far post.
The deadlock was broken in the 57th minute through Oguntolu, putting the Young Rams ahead with a fierce strike into the far corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Seconds after his goal, Oguntolu pounced on the opposition goalkeeper’s mistake and tried to punish, whilst seeking a quick brace, but saw his effort denied.
The momentum of the game shifted into Derby’s favour following the goal, as Jerome Richards put in a cross from the right-hand side, but the header was claimed well by the opposition shot-stopper.
The away side came close to levelling the score from a dangerous cross whipped in from the corner, but no one was able to steer the ball goalwards.
Boro then had their biggest chance of the game, minutes before stoppage time, with a cross coming in and the half volley being hit over the bar, just outside the six-yard box.
It was a quick accumulation of chances as they sought an equaliser, but saw their efforts denied twice off the line and the win secured, thanks to two brilliant blocks from the Derby defence.
Derby County Under-21s: Price (GK), Wilson (Davidson 62), Cox (Osong 62), Osayande, Offor, Banks (C), K Robinson, K Gill, Oguntolu (Green 76), Smith, McAndrew (Richards 46).
Unused Substitutes: Dzialuk (GK), Richards, Davidson, Green, Osong.
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"It was a really mature performance by a young team tonight," Senior Professional Development Coach Danny Maye said after the game.
"It was an excellent challenge against an experienced Boro team. The players managed the game well despite not having it all their own way. We didn’t have many long moments with the ball, but still carried a threat on transition.
"Out of possession, we were difficult to play against tonight. We stayed compact and defended well. Some of our defending in the box was outstanding. To have two Under-17s in the midfield against first-team experience was a good test. Charlie Smith and Kacey Gill managed it very well.
"Every player came away with credit for a performance full of togetherness."
Words: Eben Mayiza
