A ruthless first half performance from Derby County's Under-21s helped them defeat Manchester United Under-21s 4-2 in Premier League 2 on Friday evening.
The Rams scored four times in the opening 45 minutes to see off the Red Devils and secure an impressive three points on the road at Leigh Sports Village.
Forward Tony Weston opened the scoring within the opening half-hour but Jake Buxton's side were quickly pegged back when Zachary Baumann fired beyond goalkeeper Jack Thompson.
Weston struck for his second of the evening to put the Rams back in front before Under-18s midfielder Cruz Allen made it 3-1 late in the half.
Buxton's side had their tails up and still had time to make it four before the break when midfielder Adebayo Fapetu beat Tom Myles in added time.
United were able to find a consolation midway through the second half through Ethan Williams but the damage had been done by Derby in the opening 45 minutes and they held on for their fourth victory of the season in Premier League 2.
The Under-21s' next outing in Premier League 2 action will see them host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Loughborough University Stadium on Monday 11th March (7pm kick-off).
Derby County Under-21s: Thompson (GK), Bardell (Hawkins 47), Gill, Robinson, Bartley, Robinson, Allen (McAndrew 85), Fornah, Weston, Fapetu, Moloney (Osong 65) (Oguntolu 90).
Substitutes Not Used: Shattell (GK).
