Derby County’s Under 18s saw their 100 per cent home record come to an abrupt end as they fell to a 5-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.
The Rams took an early lead through Jahvan Davidson-Miller at the Training Centre in the partnership with the University of Derby, but the Reds hit back – scoring twice in the second half and a further three times to secure all three points.
Just as they did a week ago against Manchester City, they scored early doors – this time on eight minutes as a long ball forward from Matt Yates was collected by Ayomide Jibodu and after holding off his man, he pulled the ball back to Davidson-Miller to open the scoring.
The lead lasted just four minutes, however, as Glen McAuley rounded off a patient move with a header from close range.
The Rams also had to clear the ball off the line as Liverpool sought to edge in front, whilst Micah Edwards could only turn a left wing cross from Jayden Mitchell-Lawson over the crossbar at the other end.
Desperate defending and a good save from Yates temporarily denied the visitors from taking the lead, but on 32 minutes, the Rams’ wall was breached as Yan Dhanda thumped a loose ball into the back of the net after the hosts failed to deal with a dinked cross from the left.
Continuing to swing backwards and forwards, Edwards had a big chance to level matters, but scuffed a first-time effort well wide, whilst Yates’ fine individual kept Derby just a goal behind with a string of fine saves.
Into the second half, and with Derby still in the game, Davidson-Miller saw a shot blocked after Liverpool failed to deal with a deep inswinging free kick.
Yates was still busy at the other end still, making two fine saves early doors – one outstanding one from a free kick, but from another set play, Liverpool scored their third as Bobby Adekanye beat the Rams’ goalkeeper by flicking a corner.
It was four seven minutes later, with Joe Bateman being the unfortunate own goal victim as a cut back came off the inside of his leg and bobbled over the line before it could be tapped in at the far post.
Rafael Camacho scored the best of the goals by picking up possession in a central position, side stepped two Derby men, before hitting a sweet shot into the far corner of the goal to put the seal of approval on the victory.
Derby County U18s: Yates, Bogle, Bateman, Thorne, Mills; Magno, Bird, Edwards, Jibodu, Mitchell-Lawson, Davidson-Miller
Substitutes: Whittaker, Fryatt, Minkley, Haywood, Wise
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