Derby County Under-18s were beaten 2-1 at Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup Fourth Round after extra time on Friday evening.
Both sides had multiple chances in the 90 minutes, but an own-goal from Luca Crolla in the first period of extra-time gave the home side the lead at Old Trafford.
Chido Obi added the second just minutes later to make it 2-0, before Max Nessling reduced the deficit late on.
The Young Rams came close to an equaliser late on but saw their FA Youth Cup journey come to an end after an impressive performance.
Key Moments
Cristiano Dzialuk made several outstanding saves, the best coming midway through the first half, denying Chido Obi from close range with an excellent fingertip save.
Darren Fletcher's side continued to press forward, scholar Luca Crolla stopped Obi yet again after a decisive clearance on the goal-line to keep the score level heading into the interval.
Derby started the second half on top, Marley Mintus forced Bryne-Hughes into a save, before Euan Griffiths dragged his shot just wide of the post on the break.
A long-range effort from United’s James Bailey was tipped over into the Stretford End by Dzialuk as United pushed for the opener, while James Ward's header rose just above the crossbar.
Substitute Dantel Hodges had a golden chance with just 10 minutes remaining for the Rams, Albert Mills made a crucial interception at the back-post as both sides continued to have chances.
Neither team could find the back of the net after an end-to-end half at Old Trafford, meaning there was at least another 30 minutes to play in extra time.
The hosts took the lead 10 minutes into the first period of extra-time, Crolla turned the ball into his own net after a dangerous cross from James Overy.
Obi gave his side a two-goal cushion minutes later, a long ball forward left the number nine through on goal, who delicately lifted the ball over the on-rushing Dzialuk.
Nessling reduced the deficit with eight minutes remaining. He rounded the Manchester United keeper, finishing calmly into the empty net.
Deep in added time, Nessling had a huge chance to get his second of the evening, but Bradley Johnson’s side could not find the equaliser to send the game to penalties.
Team
Derby County Under-18s: Dzialuk (GK), Marriott (Doyle 115), Taylor, Crolla, Canoville (C), Smith (Friars 115), Green, Harvey (Clarke 96), Ward (Nessling 106), Mintus (Hodges 65), Griffiths (Corry 76).
Unused Substitutes: Mountain (GK).
Next Fixture
The Under-18s return to league action on Friday 30 January, travelling back up North to face Liverpool in U18 Premier League North action (12pm kick-off).
Words: Josh Smith