REPORT: Derby County U21 0-0 Aston Villa U21

Derby County Under-21s shared the Premier League 2 points with Aston Villa in a goalless draw at Moor Farm Training Centre on Friday night.

The Young Rams were part of a competitive tie with Villa, as both sides came close but couldn’t break the deadlock.

Danny Maye’s side registered 19 shots but found the Villa defence, and goalkeeper and captain Sam Proctor in fine form to keep the Rams at bay.

Trai-Varn Mulley had the first act of the game for Villa after combination play with Luke Lynch allowed Mulley to strike on goal and force a save from Derby shot-stopper Jack Thompson.

Derby’s closest chances in the first period came after 20 minutes, when Cruz Allen had his shot blocked before Owen Eames took control of the ball moments later and struck the post with a low, driven strike from 20 yards.

Eames was once again thwarted in the 27th minute, as he hit a thunderous strike on the volley after the ball dropped to him following Allen's corner, but the effort was closed down and blocked wide.

Derby kept the pressure on after dominating proceedings, and Jamie Wähling aimed a first-time effort from distance into the grasp of the Villa shot-stopper Proctor after half an hour.

Ben Broggio had the visitors’ best opportunity of the half when he emerged at the far post to meet Lynch's corner delivery. The striker was caught in between two minds in deciding to head or strike the ball as it dropped and fired wide of the mark.

Derby continued to threaten into the second period, and Jackson laid the ball off to Cameron Wilson, who looked to finish off a sharp attack, but his low strike was saved by the goalkeeper.

Jackson was again looking to be the architect as he won the ball high up the field and handed off to Eames, who broke forward and tried for goal from distance, but again Proctor made the save to keep the match goalless.

A charging run from the centre line by Eames nearly bore fruit in the 89th minute as the Rams’ midfielder surged beyond several defenders down the left flank, but saw his attempt blocked strongly when he aimed on goal.

Both sides threatened to steal the points late on, as possession changed hands multiple times before defences stemmed dangerous attacks before the referee blew the whistle with honours even.

Derby County Under-21s: J Thompson (GK), I Gordon (Hawkins 59), Gough, Rooney, Osayande, Wähling, Wilson (Davidson 59), Allen, Jackson, Eames, Osong (Oguntolu 14).

Substitutes: Kane (GK), Banks.

Post-Match Reaction

“Tonight, the lads were excellent in most aspects of the game,” Senior Professional Development Coach Danny Maye said after the full-time whistle.

“We just lacked the end product to kill the game off.

“It was pleasing to see the first team players come in and blend so well with the Academy players, which is a real credit to their attitude.

“For most of the game, we had a good structure and pressed with intensity; this caused Villa problems and created chances on transition.

“With the ball, we looked in control and had good balance to our game. We recognised when to draw them in and when to play behind. Overall, it was a very pleasing performance tonight.”