Derby County Under-18’s manager Justin Walker felt his side’s togetherness was the deciding factor in their 4-1 comeback win away to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League Cup.
The Rams went a goal behind just before the half-time whistle at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre as Jack Spong found the back of the Derby net via a deflected shot.
Second-half goals from Morgan Whittaker, Jason Knight and a brace from Jack Stretton asserted the Under-18’s dominance however to secure a comfortable win in the southern sun.
In an impressive seven minutes, shortly after half time, Stretton took his goal tally to six in the space of eight days as Walker’s side completed the comeback.
Knight then provided the assist for Whittaker who coolly finished to add the third, before firing in himself to make it four a minute before full time.
Speaking to dcfc.co.uk, Walker said: “I think we were disappointing first-half, I was disappointed with our attitude because we’ve been magnificent in recent weeks.
“I didn’t think we were at the level, but we had a conversation at half-time and we made a change and in fairness to the lads they’ve shown so much character which I know they’ve got in them.
“It’s consistency and that’s a problem that comes with young players but again they’ve shown us they have it when they focus on the basic things.”
Knight’s goal a minute from time was the side’s 12th goal in the space of eight days after the 8-0 victory away at Newcastle United last weekend, and Walker puts the good form down to togetherness.
“We know we’ve got character and that’s why we were disappointed at half-time, because we’ve not done what we pride ourselves on we’ve not earned the right to play,” he explained.
“Brighton deservedly hit us on the counter and went 1-0 up so second-half the lads only have to look back at the game to see the difference in their enthusiasm and togetherness.
“It was there for everyone to see and we know we’ve got togetherness and goals in the team and that’s clear to see.”
Words: Andrew Haines
