Derby County’s Lead Professional Development Phase Coach, Adam Robinson, was left ‘disappointed’ after the Under-18s drew 2-2 with Manchester United.


The young Rams were two goals to the good with just 15 minutes left to play after Zion Dixon’s brace put them in pole position for their first home league win of the season.

Two controversial decisions late on meant Manchester United were able to snatch a point from what was an extremely positive Derby performance.

“At the start of the day we probably would have taken a draw but the way to the game went and with the equaliser being so late on, I’m disappointed with a 2-2 draw,” Robinson said.

Rams’ goalkeeper, Harvey Randle, shared Robinson’s disappointment after he pulled off a selection of brilliant saves throughout the 90 minutes.

Robinson said: “Harvey always pulls off some great saves we know what we’re going to get with him and so he’s even more disappointed with the goals.

“To concede two was disappointing for him because I thought his performance deserved a clean sheet today.”

Zion Dixon also played his part in Derby’s hard-working performance this afternoon adding his second and third goals of the season to his tally with two composed finishes.

Robinson detailed how he has been working with Dixon on his movement and quality in the final third.

He revealed how he is ‘really pleased’ for Dixon. He added: “It’s important for a number nine to get goals for their confidence and he took both of his goals really well today.”

Both Randle and Dixon will be important assets for Derby as they aim to continue being a ‘hard’ team to play against as Robinson spoke on how when teams visit Moor Farm, ‘they need to know they’re in for a tough game.’

With Everton up next in the U17 Premier League Cup, the young Rams will be hoping to build on what was a performance with plenty of positives.