REPORT: Derby County U21 0-0 Nottingham Forest U21

Derby County Under-21s saw the Premier League 2 points shared in a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest on Friday night.

The fixture saw two sides evenly matched at Moor Farm Training Centre, with chances coming in both halves, but neither was able to break the deadlock.

Forest came near in the first knockings when Ben Hammond's header went over the crossbar.

Cruz Allen came close for Derby in the 37th minute when he drilled a left-footed effort from distance and saw the ball fly just beyond the post.

The visitors called goalkeeper Jack Thompson into action towards the end of the half as he saved Blaine McClure’s shot from close range.

Allen was once again a threat for the Rams in the 48th minute when he steered towards goal from inside the penalty area, but he was matched by goalkeeper Luke Campbell, who made the save.

Striker Justin Oguntolu was also denied by Campbell after the hour when he couldn’t convert from close range. Moments later, Allen aimed from distance once more, but saw his attempt go wayward.

Fuad Smith and Kalum Thompson both came near for Forest in the late stages, but neither could trouble Thompson’s goal as they failed to hit the target, and honours remained even as the whistle was blown.

Derby County Under-21s: Thompson (GK), I Gordon, Gough, Banks, Osayande (C), Hawkins, Wilson (Tola 82), Wähling, Oguntolu, Allen, Smith (Green 58).

Unused Substitutes: Kane (GK), Doyle, Lukic.

Post-Match Reaction

“We were really pleased with the players' efforts tonight,” Senior Professional Development Coach Danny Maye reflected after the game.

“In difficult conditions, we were brave with the ball and managed their man-to-man press well.

“Everyone helped defend, and we had some really good moments in transition with our counter-press.

“We felt we should have had a couple of penalties, but we knew we couldn’t control those decisions and reacted well.

"Overall, we didn’t create enough chances but did get into good areas throughout the game.”

Next Fixture

A trip to Leigh Sports Village to face Manchester United in Premier League 2 awaits the Rams on Friday 6th February (7pm kick-off).