REPORT: Derby County U21 2-1 Sunderland U21

Derby County Under-21s extended their unbeaten home run to four games in a row, as they came back from behind to secure a 2-1 victory against Sunderland on Monday night.

The Rams continued their impressive Premier League 2 form at the Proctor Cars Stadium, following victories over West Ham United, Middlesbrough and Manchester City in their previous three games.

Sunderland took the lead through a Harrison Jones free-kick, before an equaliser from the penalty spot by Justin Oguntolu and a late winner from Johnson Osong secured all three points for Danny Maye’s Rams side.

Key Moments

Derby looked to create some early chances, with the biggest opportunity coming from a powerful Israel Green cross into the box just before the 15-minute mark, which failed to find any of his teammates.

The visitors increased their pressure in the 20th minute, with Jones having his effort from the edge of the box blocked and cleared by Derby’s defence.

Rams goalkeeper Harley Price was called into action for an easy save in the 25th minute, as he denied Finn Geragusian’s close-range headed effort.

Isaac Gordon made a wonderful goal-line block two minutes later, bravely putting his body on the line to deny Tom Proctor a tap-in.

Sunderland took the lead in sublime style shortly after, as Jones curled in from a free-kick on the right-hand side of the penalty area.

Derby had a great chance to equalise just before half-time, with Price launching the ball directly to Oguntolu, who saw his close-range effort sail high over the bar.

Marley Mintus’ missed free-kick from just outside of the area proved to be the last kick of the first half, as Derby continued in their quest for an equaliser.

Oguntolu equalised from the spot six minutes into the second half, following a foul in the area on Jerome Richards.

Richards almost made it two following a superb pass from Kei Robinson, though his effort rolled into the hands of Joe Cowan.

Israel Green looked to put Derby in front in the 75th minute with his curling effort denied by a diving save from Cowan.

Substitute Osong scored a last-minute winner for the Rams, completing their comeback to ensure a vital three points.

A late penalty miss from Marcus Neill denied a late scare for Derby, as they held off the late Sunderland pressure for an equaliser.

Team

Derby County Under-21s: Price (GK), Gordon (Gill 66), Robinson, Wähling (Hodges 46), Offor, Banks (C), Richards (Osong 66), Smith, Oguntolu, Green (Stokes 90), Mintus.

Unused Substitutes: O’Neill (GK).