Derby County Under-23s coach Craig Short was pleased with the Rams’ clinical finishing as they saw-off Middlesbrough 6-0 to progress to the Premier League Cup quarter-finals.
A clinical Rushian Hepburn-Murphy double sent the Rams into the break two ahead.
Tyree Wilson, Jahmal Hector-Ingram, Ikechi Anya and Cameron Cresswell then scored in a lethal final 22 minutes to send the Rams through to the last eight in comfortable fashion.
Following the full-time whistle, speaking to dcfc.co.uk, Short said: “I’m really pleased with the result, particularly because of the high quality of our finishing.
“That was the real difference. They had a few good chances and failed to take them. Rushain’s two finishes were great. Jahmal came on and got a really good individual goal. Tyree scored a really nice goal as well.”
Despite the striking score-line, Short was slightly disappointed by the Under-23s’ overall display, saying: “Though it sounds strange with the result, the performance could’ve been better.
“At two-nil, Middlesbrough were well in the game and missed a couple of opportunities which I think if they’d have scored it would’ve been a really different game. At times this season we’ve played much better than that and lost. We know our level and that wasn’t quite it.”
Although the performance was not as strong as Short hoped, the Rams coach still believes his side possess the capabilities to win the Premier League Cup.
“On our day we can match anyone; to win it we’d have to be better than we were today. We’ve performed at extremely high levels against sides like Arsenal and Chelsea – if we play like that there’s no reason why we can’t go far, and possibly even win this cup.”
Words by: Jack Hasler
