**Derby County Under-18s battled to a draw in a six-goal thriller against Liverpool at Moor Farm Training Centre on Saturday afternoon.**
First-half goals from Theo Olofingbuaro and captain Joe Connor had the Rams ahead in the Premier League – North clash at the break, but the visitors levelled to 2-2 by the 53rd minute.
Remi Harvey’s strike regained the advantage in the 67th minute but was cancelled out just four minutes later.
Key Moments
-----------
The hosts started the game confidently, with Remi Harvey heading just wide of the far post from close range, after a well-controlled headed cross by Captain Joseph Connor in the fourth minute.
Simeon Fearon had another chance to open the scoring for the Rams in the 23rd minute, but was denied by Liverpool Goalkeeper James Hilditch.
Fearon came close again just five minutes later, curling a right-footed effort just past the post as Derby continued their search for a goal.
Olofingbuaro netted to open the scoring just before the half-hour mark, firing the ball into the near post via a deflection off Hilditch.
Connor met a well-played free-kick into the area with a first-time volley, nestling into the corner to extend the Rams’ lead heading into half-time.
Erik Farkas pulled a goal back for the visitors four minutes into the second half, beating Arlo Tye at his near post.
Luca Eden produced an equaliser four minutes later, finishing low into the right-hand corner.
Harvey reacted well in the 67th minute to capitalise on a rebound following Kacey Myers’ saved effort by Hilditch, firing into the net to put Derby back into the lead.
Liverpool found the net to level on 70 minutes, with Zak Coxon netting for 3-3.
Substitute Kieran Clarke looked to find a winner in the 89th minute, though his effort was fired high and wide of the target.
Team
----
**Derby County Under-18s:** Tye (GK), Thomas (Wilson 83’), Watmon, Neal (Taylor 75’), Connor (C), Lukic, Fearon (Clarke 62’), Myers, Nessling (Ogedengbe 83’), Harvey, Olofingbuaro.
**Unused substitutes:** Mountain (GK), Griffiths, Nyamdavaa.
Next Fixture
------------
The Rams’ Under-21s face a trip to Newcastle United on Saturday 10th October (1pm Kick-off).
**_Words:_** _Archie Brown_