Derby County’s Under 18s continued their unbeaten start to the 2017/18 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Everton at USM Finch Farm.
In their first away fixture of the season, two goals from Connor Dixon and a goal from Jayden Bogle was more than enough for Justin Walker’s and Rory Delap’s side to record their first Premier League – North victory.
During a fixture full of chances, first-year scholar Dixon opened the scoring on 18 minutes by capitalising on short back-pass played to Joe Hilton.
The hosts looked to react swiftly, though, and on 39 minutes Korede Adedoyin found space inside the box to beat Matt Yates at the bottom right corner.
But thanks to an instant reaction from the Rams, their lead was restored less than three minutes later after Bogle glided the ball into an open net from 25 yards out.
A close second-half battle then followed after the break, but Dixon refused to lie down and he added a second to his tally eight minutes before time, guiding in a venomous cross from Jordan Mills at the far post.
Though there were no further goals after that, on 88 minutes, Adedoyin was dismissed for a straight red card – forcing the hosts to see out the rest of the game with 10 men.
What’s to Come…
A trip to the Academy of Light is what awaits Walker’s and Delap’s Rams next as they prepare to take on Sunderland in their second away fixture of the season.
And with four points from a possible six against Liverpool and Everton respectively, Derby will undoubtedly be travelling in high spirits.
At present, the Rams currently occupy third position in the Premier League – North, behind only Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion, whereas their next opponents are placed in seventh and are still searching for their first win of the campaign.
The Rams’ Next Five Fixtures…
Sunderland U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 26th August (kick-off: 1pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Mansfield Town U18s (Friendly) – Wednesday 30th August (kick-off: 1pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Manchester United U18s – Saturday 9th September (kick-off: 12pm)
Blackburn Rovers U18s vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 23rd September (kick-off: 12:30pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Middlesbrough U18s – Saturday 30th September (kick-off: 1pm)
Images by Harry Marshall