MATCH REPORT: Derby County U21 0-1 West Ham United U21

Derby County Under-21s were narrowly beaten 1-0 by West Ham United in Premier League 2 at Matlock Town's Proctor Cars Stadium on Friday night.

Jake Buxton’s side came into the fixture off the back of a 2-1 defeat at Leicester City earlier in the week.

The Rams looked to get back to winning ways against the Hammers after a mixed run of results coming into the clash, with two wins and one draw in all competitions from their last five matches.

Derby dominated the possession in the early stages but West Ham’s blistering pace on the counter-attack seemed a real threat to the Rams’ back three.

The Hammers almost took the lead on the 15th minute after Josh Ajala’s turn and shot inside the 18-yard-box was met by the crossbar.

In the 40th minute, thought, West Ham went in front via a thumping strike from Tyron Akpata that left Harry Evans with little chance in the Derby net.

Not long after the break, the Rams were almost back on level terms after defender Kei Robinson’s diving header at the back post forced a reflex save from Olanrewaju Awesu.

As the game neared its conclusion, Buxton’s side struggled to break down the Hammers defence - the strongest defence in Premier League 2 this season.

The defeat means Derby remain in 20th place in the Premier League 2 standings with three regular season matches remaining, as they continue their quest to finish above 16th place and reach the play-off stages in the competition.

The Under-21s’ focus now shifts to their next match away at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium, as they face Buxton FC in the Semi-Final stage of the Derbyshire Senior Cup on Tuesday 4th March (7pm kick-off). Their next Premier League 2 outing is at Stoke City on Friday 14th March (7pm kick-off).

Team News

Derby County Under-21s: Evans (GK) (C), Turley, Moloney (Osayande 81), D Robinson, K Robinson, Gill, I Gordon (Ilesanmi 64), Allen, Wheeldon, Perry, Eames (Agustien 64).

Substitutes Not Used: Price (GK), Stepien-Iwumene.

Words: Joe Bird