Justin Walker was left disappointed by his Derby County Under-18s side’s first-half performance after they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Liverpool in Premier League-North on Saturday.
The Rams went behind after 13 minutes as a loose ball was stabbed home by Liverpool’s Niall Brookwell, and they wouldn’t be able to force an equaliser despite a strong second-half reaction.
The loss comes after two pleasing wins against Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough, but Walker says that his side didn’t do the simple things well enough.
Speaking to dcfc.co.uk, he said: “We’re disappointed with our first-half performance.
“We pride ourselves on trying to do the basics really well, and I don’t think we did that.
“We’re disappointed with the goal we conceded because you can come away from Liverpool and steal a point regardless of the performance.
“But we’re concerned with the individual performance levels.”
A strong second-half performance from the Rams did almost get them back in the game, and Louie Sibley’s goal-bound shot was just tipped wide.
The team were perhaps unlucky to leave Liverpool with nothing, and Walker credits the players for their improvement after half-time.
He said: “To be fair to the lads, there was a positive reaction at half-time and a positive response, and the changes made a difference.
“We changed the shape as well, but like I said we didn’t start the game well enough and gave ourselves a mountain to climb with the poor goal we conceded.
“This week has been amazing in terms of the opportunities that the young players have got through injuries at first-team level and the trust by Gary to take the lads out of the U23s group.
“Likewise, that ripple effect happens with the younger players but when the players get an opportunity to step up, they have to take it.”
The Under-18s now have five games of their season left, and a successful campaign has seen the Rams perform well on all fronts.
With just two months left to work with his players, Walker has called for consistency from the side in the remaining fixtures.
He said: “I think the biggest thing we’ve had for most of the season is the lads have been able to keep reproducing on a consistent level.
“It’s important that that is maintained. This time of the season is always interesting because players are perhaps leaving; it’s been a difficult week in terms of that.
“The lads deserve credit because they’ve dealt with the difficult circumstances. We’ve got good, strong relationships in the dressing room.
“The players get on with each other and feel for each other. However, football is a brutal game and you have to move on quickly.”
Words: Marc Walker
