REPORT: Derby County U18 1-3 Blackburn Rovers U18

Derby County Under-18s fell to a 3-1 defeat against Blackburn Rovers in Premier League – North on Saturday.

The visitors took the lead inside the opening 15 minutes at Moor Farm Training Centre after Levi Ball’s free kick arrowed into the top corner.

Bradley Johnston’s side reacted well, with James Ward forcing the Blackburn keeper into two saves before the break.

But Rovers substitute Charlie Clanford added a second early on in the second half before Thomas Cryer’s strike in the 66th minute put the visitors in control.

Zayne Blake scored late on as his decisive finish beat Wolsoncroft in the opposition net as Derby looked to come back.

The Under-18s will look to bounce back as they travel to Merseyside next weekend to face Everton in the Premier League - North on Saturday 14th March (12pm kick-off).

Team

Derby County Under-18s: O’Neill (GK), Taylor, Hodges, Lukic, Connor, Myers (Thomas 46), Griffiths, Harvey, Ward (Nessling 66), Smith (C) (Blake 66), Clarke (Gordon 66).

Unused Substitutes: Dzialuk (GK).

Words: Josh Smith