Walker: "The Boys Have Shown Their Character Again"

Justin Walker believed his Under-18s side were not at their best despite claiming a 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Following on from the side’s stunning 2-1 victory the previous week against Liverpool, Walker’s side made it four wins on the bounce as two first-half goals were enough to claim three points.

Tyree Wilson opened the morning’s scoring as a sweeping move across the pitch ended with Wilson striking a first-time effort beyond Joe Young.

The Rams’ tally was then doubled by Morgan Whittaker, who was fouled in the Wolves’ penalty area before managing to step up and send Young the wrong way to make it 2-0.

Wolves clawed one back in the second-half through an Austin Samuels penalty but, despite spells of pressure, couldn’t find an equaliser which allowed Derby to comfortably see out the game.

Speaking to Dcfc.co.uk, Walker said: “We made hard work of it if I’m honest.”

“I felt like we played really well in spells but we weren’t consistently good enough with the ball which is unlike us.

“Sometimes you have to work through those periods and dig in and I feel like the boys have shown their character again today.”

Despite not performing to their highest standards the Under-18s still looked comfortable in the game and rarely looked in doubt of collecting three points.

“I wouldn’t say we were holding on but I think we managed periods of the game really well towards the end, I think our game management was really good.

“Wolves have got some really good players and they cause you one or two problems but as a whole I feel like we were very good out of possession. We were organised and limited them to very few chances.”

The victory now takes the Under-18s to nine wins in their previous ten league and cup games, having lost only once since August, which Walker felt was testament to Derby’s strength in depth.

“They’re a very good squad and we’ve got some very good players at the club.

“Alex Matthews stepped up with Liam Delap and Hugo Jinkinson too. There’s depth there and we’ve got some really good players so it’s pleasing.

“A winning mentality naturally breads confidence and they’re showing that on a regular basis which is also pleasing.”

Words: Andrew Haines