Derby County Under-18s were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Manchester United in the U18 Premier League at Moor Farm Training Centre on Saturday afternoon.
Danny Maye’s side hosted the league leaders with the intention of getting back to winning ways following a midweek defeat to West Ham in the Premier League Cup.
The young Rams took the lead after just six minutes, as Demiane Agustien hit the crossbar from a set piece and following a scramble inside the penalty area the ball fell to Daniel Hodges whose shot into the top right corner.
The visitors replied just moments later on the ninth minute as Jimmy Thwaites’ cross from a free kick found Danny Armer in the area to equalise with a header.
Derby went in front again on the 28th minute via a blistering counter attack as Justin Oguntolu showed excellent composure to slot the ball past William Murdock in the United net, following a pinpoint through ball by Israel Green.
The young Rams were forced into an early substitution as Marley Mintus picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Charlie Smith.
On the 64th minute United were awarded a penalty for a foul on substitute Amir Ibragimov, but Harley Price’s heroic save from Thwaites’ penalty kept the Rams in front.
United equalised moments later in 67th minute via a flicked header by Gabe Biancheri after a lengthy spell of possession.
Biancheri was involved again as he was fouled inside the penalty area to give Manchester United another chance to from the spot, which was taken by James Scanlon to give the away side the lead.
The Under-18s next travel away to the Academy of Light to face Sunderland in league action on 15th March, as they look to pick up three points after failing to do so in their previous two matches (12:30pm kick-off).
Team News
Derby County Under 18s: Price (GK), Connell-Webster (Marriott 69’), Gill, Tola, Osayande (C), Canoville, Hodges, Agustien, Oguntolu, Mintus (Smith 33’), Green.
Substitutes Not Used: Doyle, Rees (GK), Corry.
Post-Match Reaction
Despite the loss, Under-18 Lead Coach Danny Maye was pleased with how his team performed in the afternoon’s action.
He said: “It was a really good performance today. We were really pleased to play such a young group against one of the best teams in the country.
“For large parts of the game we played some excellent football and pressed with controlled aggression.”
Maye believed that his side’s first and second half performance weren’t consistent in quality.
“I thought the first half in particular was one of our best performances of the season,” he said.
“In the second half we tired a little, and started to make some unforced errors. It was shame as I felt the performance deserved more, however it was really pleasing to see the lads doing everything they could to win the game right up until the end.”
Words: Will Stanier