Justin Walker was pleased with his Under-18s side’s performance in their 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League Cup.
The Rams deservedly went ahead through midfielder Louie Sibley’s strike midway through the second-half, but Aaron Rowe pulled West Brom level against the run of play.
The result sees Derby stay in second place in their group with one game left to play, and Walker was encouraged by what he saw.
Speaking to dcfc.co.uk, he said: “There were a lot of pleasing factors in the game today.
“We dominated in terms of possession, we’ had seven or eight very good chances and on another day, we would have won the game quite comfortably.
“We kept playing in the same manner that we’ve been playing, so the players deserve so much credit for their endeavour and their work ethic.
“It was just that final bit of quality that every team are looking for really, but like I’ve said we created a number of opportunities and it wasn’t quite falling for us.”
The Rams’ strong displays defensively this season have contributed to the team rising to third place in the Under-18s Premier League North.
They are also on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, and Walker thinks his team’s solidity had been key.
He said: “It’s been instrumental in the team’s progress this season.
“It shows just how much work the lads are putting in during the week, and they’re hungry to learn.
“Callum Minkley and Fuseine Rashid were excellent and we limited them to very few opportunities, but unfortunately one takes a deflection and ends up spinning into the goal.
“Other than that, Matt Yates was a spectator really, but I thought collectively we worked very hard .”
Saturday’s result means that the Rams have drawn their opening two Premier League Cup games.
Progression to the next round is still very much in their hands however, and Walker is hopeful that his side can qualify for the next stage.
He said: “We haven’t lost yet, which has been pleasing.
“It was unfortunate that we didn’t get three points on the board, but we’ll have to wait on other people’s results.
“We can do no more than we’ve done, but it wasn’t to be.
“We’ll regroup, take the confidence from the performance and build into the next game.”
The Under-18s next match will be on the 18th November when they travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home.
Words by Marc Walker
Images by Harry Marshall
