Sat 17 Jan - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County Under-18s drew 2-2 with Sunderland in their first home game of the year in Premier League – North.
Bradley Johnson’s Rams side started in fast fashion at Moor Farm Training Centre as Euan Griffiths opened the scoring after just three minutes when he finished off from a Charlie Smith corner.
Sunderland swiftly responded, though, cancelling out the goal when Archie Lightfoot netted with a low strike from inside the penalty area in the ninth minute.
Tom Marriott came near to regaining Derby’s advantage in the 16th minute as he tried from distance, but his effort was blocked.
Cristiano Dzialuk was called into action by the Black Cats’ Tom Proctor five minutes later, when the Derby goalkeeper got down low to deny the visitor’s attempt from range.
It was Sunderland who got ahead in the 27th minute as Tom Proctor struck from outside the penalty area to beat Dzialuk.
Griffiths aimed to add his second of the game and return the contest to an even footing in the 37th minute when he saw his strike well-saved by Joe Cowan in the opposition net.
Dantel Hodges and Marley Mintus came close to equalising in the 58th minute as Hodges’ left-footed effort was saved before Mintus shot over the crossbar.
Half-time substitutes Alfie Friars and Mintus combined to earn the point for the Rams. Mintus’ cross from deep was met with a towering header by Friars to level the scoring in the 79th minute.
Bradley Johnson’s Rams side will next be in action when they head to Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup Fourth Round on Friday 23rd January (7pm kick-off).
Derby County Under-18s: Dzialuk (GK), Thomas (Friars 46), Doyle, Marriott, Crolla (C), Hodges (Blake 73), Green, Griffiths (Mintus 46), Ward, Smith, K Clarke (Henry 82).
Substitutes: Mountain (GK).
