**Derby County Under-18s fell to a late defeat that stemmed a valiant fightback against Liverpool in Premier League – North on Friday afternoon.**
Bradley Johnson’s side twice reduced the deficit after going two goals down and had an equaliser adjudged as offside late on before a final killer blow from the hosts deep into added time ended the contest.
Joshua Abe netted in the fifth minute before striking again 20 minutes later to give Liverpool a two-goal advantage.
But Sean Corry set up Remi Harvey, who pulled one back for Derby at the close of the first half.
Ollie O’Connor regained the hosts' margin after the hour, though, and Liverpool looked further in the driving seat when Rams attacker Marley Mintus received a second yellow card two minutes after the goal.
But Johnson’s side remained resolute, with Kieran Clarke firing in to make it 3-2 in the 78th minute.
Substitute Simeon Fearon headed the ball into the back of the net in the 89th minute and appeared to have secured a point for 10-man Derby, but he saw the flag raised and his goal chalked off for offside.
Fearon nearly struck once more in added time, as did Corry and Riley Simpson, but all three were kept at bay by the Liverpool defenders.
Joshua Sonni-Lambie brought proceedings to a close after 10 minutes of added time when he struck to make it 4-2 and seal the win for Liverpool.
Team
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**Derby County Under-18s:** Dzialuk (GK), Taylor, Hodges (Simpson 82), Connor, Crolla(C), Mintus, Corry, Harvey (Myers 50), Nessling (Olofingbuaro 70), Griffiths (Fearon 82), Clarke.
**Substitutes:** Mountain (GK).
Next Fixture
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The Young Rams will host Leeds United in their next Premier League – North outing on Saturday 7th February (12pm kick-off).
