Derby County Under-18s were defeated 3-1 in their first home game of the new season to West Bromwich Albion at the Moor Farm Training Centre.
Two second half goals for the visitors cancelled out Osazee Aghatise’s equaliser after Justin Walker’s side had levelled the score after just three minutes of action.
Instantly, Derby knew that they would be in for a tough match after Finley Thorndike put West Brom 1-0 up after just two minutes. He converted a long-range freekick after Ethan Cashin was caught out trying to hold a high line early on.
The lead didn’t last long though, as Derby responded almost immediately. Alex Matthews took one touch to control the ball and another to set up Aghatise who made no mistake from close range.
Then, Walker’s side had the best chance of the second half to take the lead with 25 minutes played. Archie Brown found Matthews who, receiving the ball just inside the box, watched his first-time effort tipped over superbly by the opposition shot stopper.
After the break, though, Derby found themselves behind once again. After a clash inside the penalty box, West Brom were awarded a penalty and converted accordingly.
Going behind seemed to only improve Derby. They had their clearest chance of the game minutes later when Brown went through one-on-one with the keeper. His near-post effort was pushed wide by the goalkeeper.
With just under 20 minutes left to play, Derby fell two goals behind as they pushed forward in the hope of an equaliser. The opposition defence remained resilient and withstood the Derby pressure to condemn Derby to their second consecutive league defeat.
What’s to come…
After falling victim to their second defeat of the season, the Rams will look to turn their bad fortune around in the next match with a long trip up north to face Newcastle United.
Justin Walker’s side produced an emphatic double against the side last season, winning 8-0 and 2-1 on their travels and at home respectively.
Then, the Rams face another northern side but this time welcome Middlesbrough to Moor Farm Training Centre who have already drawn to Newcastle on their opening game of the season.
Middlesbrough were Derby’s undoing in the Premier League Under-18 Cup last season but were unable to better Walker’s team in either of their league matches, proving 3-2 and 2-0 winners.
Next Five…
Newcastle United Under-18s Vs Derby County Under-18s- Saturday 24th August 2019 (kick-off: 1pm)
Derby County Under-18s Vs Middlesbrough Under-18s- Saturday 31st August 2019 (kick-off: 1pm)
Derby County Under-18s Vs Manchester United Under-18s- Saturday 14th September 2019 (kick-off: 12pm)
Stoke City Under-18s Vs Derby County Under-18s- Saturday 21st September 2019 (kick-off: 11am)
Derby County Under-18s Vs Blackburn Rovers- Saturday 5th October 2019 (kick-off: 12:30pm)
Words by Joseph Lightfoot
