Derby County’s Under 18s extended their unbeaten run to three games after recording an emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester United yesterday afternoon.

A goal in the first half from Kellan Gordon and two further strikes in the second half from Lewis Walker and Alex Babos saw Justin Walker’s Rams see off the visitors in style and continue their strong start to the Barclays Under 18s Premier League – Merit Group Three campaign.


It took just eight minutes before the first chance of the game was created and it was to the despair of United after Gordon cut in from the right side to fire home his third goal in as many fixtures.


Less than ten minutes later, control of possession was exchanged and United enjoyed a good spell – piling pressure onto Derby’s stubborn defensive line, looking to force an error.


A chance for the Rams to double their lead fell to Emil Riis Jakobsen after superb vision from Luke Thomas allowed the flamboyant winger to produce a inch perfect through ball. Jakobsen, though, was unable to capitalise after a quick reaction from George Dorrington saw the ball forced out of play.


In the build up to half time, chances began to dry out, however, a minute into injury time, a late retrieval from United defender James Dunne prevented Jakobsen breaking loose for a one on one situation with Dorrington.


Following the break, Derby picked up where they left off with Walker immediately creating what was a narrowly squandered chance by Jakobsen inside the opponent’s area.


Determined to extend their lead, though, Derby continued to press on the front foot and were rewarded justly when in the 55th minute, Walker put the ball in the net after an excellent cross from Gordon on the right side.


Just after the hour mark, the Rams, once again, focused their efforts on bombardment of the right side and a cross, this time from Harry Goode, almost saw Walker net his second of the game had it not have been for brave commitment from Dorrington.


With the game entering its final stages Derby clinched the final goal of the contest. A cross from the right side by substitute Jahvan Davidson-Miller saw Babos break loose in the Red Devils’ area to convert with an impressive diving header.


Elsewhere at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby, Derby County’s Under 16s also emerged victorious, recording a 3-0 scoreline over their visitors.


Three goals in the second half courtesy of Jayden Bogle, a trialist and Brandon Hitchman saw Danny Holmes’ young Rams cruise to victory.


Derby County U18s: Barnes, Goode, Macdonald, Magno (Bateman, 83), Stabana, Cover (C), Thomas (Davidson-Miller, 64), Gordon, Jakobsen (Cresswell, 68), Babos, Walker


Substitutes not used: Edwards, Yates


Manchester United U18s: Dorrington, Sang (Barlow, 41), Reid, Warren (C), Dunne, Scott, Dearnley (Barrett, 81), Whelan, Boonen, Kehinde


Substitutes not used: Byrne, Spratt


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