MATCH REPORT: Sheffield United U21 2-1 Derby County U21

Derby County Under-21s were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Sheffield United on Friday night in the first game of the 2025/26 Premier League Cup campaign.

The Rams played their first game in Group B of the group stages of the competition, alongside Sheffield United, Bristol City and Stoke City.

Sheffield United’s win sees them go top of the group, with no other teams having played yet.

The hosts took the lead in the 24th minute at the LNER Stadium through Max Asante-Boakye.

In the second half, Derby fought back and their pressure told as Niall McAndrew equalised for the Rams from the penalty spot in the 55th minute.

But an 81st-minute strike from Zach Giggs secured Sheffield United the three points.

The Under-21s will return to Premier League 2 action on Friday 19th September when they head to the AMEX Elite Football Performance Centre to face Brighton & Hove Albion (7pm kick-off).

Team News

Derby County Under-21s: Price (GK), Turley, Stokes (Banks 82), Tola (Allen 61), Canoville, Osayande, Richards (McAndrew 46), Wähling, Wheeldon, Eames, Osong (Oguntolu 46).

Substitutes: Dzialuk (GK).

Post-Match Reaction

“In the first half we didn’t press them well enough and became too comfortable by dropping into a midblock too early,” Senior Professional Development Coach Danny Maye said after the contest at the LNER Stadium.

“This allowed them control. When we did have the ball, we lacked the composure to play under pressure. I didn’t think we carried enough of a threat for the first 45 minutes.

“The second half was the opposite. We were excellent in most aspects of the game; we pressed them well and had a lot of control with the ball. It looked like we’d go on to win it as we created chance after chance.

“It was disappointing to lose it late to a rare lapse in concentration, but I’m sure they will learn from this. It is important to maintain our focus throughout the whole game, especially in both boxes. Credit to George Stokes tonight. It is great to give a 16-year-old opportunities and it is even better to watch him play with such confidence.”