Tue 31 Mar - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 3mins
Derby County B Team advanced to the Central League Cup Final, following a 3-1 victory against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday afternoon.
.png)
The Rams put in a strong performance in an even Semi-Final tie, showcasing attacking prowess, with goals from Jerome Richards, substitute Justin Oguntolu and Marley Mintus wrapping up the tie.
Richards’ effort just shy of the half-hour mark opened the scoring, with Oguntolu adding a second with just five minutes remaining of the second half, and Mintus curling a free-kick in off the post in added time, to secure the Rams’ spot in the final.
Derby faced a frustrating opening fifteen minutes of the first half, as they failed to create any real opportunities to worry the visitors.
Seven minutes later, Derby had their best chance of the game as Israel Green drove the ball across the box in towards Cameron Wilson, who fired wide of the right-hand post.
.png)
The Rams looked to build on their attacking momentum, though Richards’ lofted effort left a lot to be desired, as his effort provided an easy catch for Wycombe’s Israel Jegede.
Richards spared his blushes two minutes later, firing the ball home from a tight angle inside the area to put Derby into the lead, heading toward the half-hour mark.
Derby looked to add a second goal ten minutes into the second half, as Marley Mintus’ set-piece found Israel Green’s head, though the effort was just high of the target.
Mintus looked lively again shortly after, driving towards the edge of the box, though the effort was hit high and wide of the goal.
Derby were somehow denied a second with just under 30 minutes left of the half, as Green’s header was tipped away by the glove of Jegede before substitute Oguntolu had his effort on the edge of the six-yard box, cleared.
Wycombe levelled the game with 25 minutes remaining, as Captain Arthur Gregory tapped the ball in from close range, following a lofted header at the back post fell into his path.
Harley Price heroically denied a second with just over ten minutes remaining of the half, denying a powerful effort toward his goal with his leg, as Derby looked to hold on.
.png)
Oguntolu was found unmarked at the far post with five minutes to go, tapping the ball into an empty net for 2-1.
Price made an incredible stop in second-half added time, denying a close-range strike from Micah Olayiri.
Mintus wrapped up the game in style, scoring directly from a 20-yard free-kick in the final kick of the game.
Derby will face either Blackpool or Wigan Athletic in the final, with the date and time to be confirmed at a later date.
The final, which marks the 90-year anniversary of the Rams' first Central League Cup victory in 1936, also serves as an opportunity for the Rams to retain the title they won last season.
Derby County B: Price (GK), Perry, Stokes (K Robinson 57), Banks (C), Offor, K Gill, Wilson, Smith (Blake 63), Green, Mintus, Richards (Oguntolu 45).
Unused Substitutes: Dzialuk (GK), Thomas.
"It was another mature performance from the group," Senior Professional Development Coach Danny Maye said following the semi-final win.
.jpg)
"We felt that overall we deserved to progress to the final. In possession, we were a bit scrappy at times, but we had good moments with the ball.
"Our first goal was a great example of playing through their press and being clinical. We again defended very well in moments we needed to, and limited their chances.
"Despite conceding a disappointing free kick, we hit back quickly on the counter. We then finished the game off with an outstanding free-kick of our own.
"The lads put in a lot of effort today and played with togetherness. This was especially pleasing with the wide bandwidth of ages across the line-up."
Derby County B: Price (GK), Perry, Stokes (K Robinson 57), Banks (C), Offor, K Gill, Wilson, Smith (Blake 63), Green, Mintus, Richards (Oguntolu 45).
Unused Substitutes: Dzialuk (GK), Thomas.
Words: Archie Brown
