MATCH REPORT: Derby County U21 2-2 Stoke City U21

Derby County Under-21s drew 2-2 with Stoke City in the Premier League Cup after an all-action first half at the Proctor Cars Stadium on Friday night.

Johnson Osong scored in the first minute of play in Matlock, and Justin Oguntolu doubled Derby’s lead after half an hour, but the Potters fought back with two goals in five minutes that levelled things before the half-time whistle, and ultimately saw the points shared.

First-team centre-back Curtis Nelson played the full 90 minutes as he continues to build match sharpness following a return and recovery from a long-term knee injury sustained last season.

The Rams' Under-21s sit second in Group B of the Premier League Cup following the draw, as they have registered a win, a draw and a loss in their opening three games in the competition.

Key Moments

Despite the bitter cold, Derby were quick to heat up in the match, taking the lead inside the first minute through Osong, who netted after a superb run down the left by Owen Eames before he squared the ball for the forward to fire home.

It was this same side that proved a thorn in the Potters' side as a quickly taken free-kick saw Eames cut inside and force a save from Caleb Clothier, which fell kindly to Justin Oguntolu, who smashed the ball into the back of the net in the 30th minute to double the Rams' lead.

Danny Maye's side dominated the early proceedings, dictating the tempo and carving out the lion's share of chances. However, a duo of Stoke set pieces saw the visitors get back level.

The Potters’ first goal came just three minutes after Derby’s second, as a low cross following a cleared free kick was slammed home from just inside the box by Raphael Otegbayo.

Stoke equalised in the 38th minute as Oghosaiwi Enabulele fed off the scraps of a free-kick on the left flank, as the ball dropped into a crowded box to be steered into the net by the midfielder.

The second half saw both sides hunt for a winner. A flowing move saw Derby switch the play before finding Cruz Allen, who slid the ball in behind for Oguntolu to slot home, only to be denied by the offside flag.

The best of the chances came late on as a free-kick on the byline was played short to Allen inside the box, but he was unable to repeat the heroics that saw him net a last-minute winner for Wales Under-19s against Japan in the recent international break.

In additional time, Oguntolu had the chance to seal all three points, but his shot whistled the wrong side of the crossbar after some incredible wide play from an ever-energetic Osong.

Maye’s side now look ahead to another home game at the Proctor Cars Stadium, when they face Sheffield United in the Premier League Cup on Friday 28th November (7pm kick-off).