Derby County’s Under-18s begin 2018 with a Premier League – North clash at home to Everton on Saturday (kick-off 12pm), where they will hope to extend their current 11-match unbeaten streak.
The Rams have not lost in any competition since September and they ended 2017 with consecutive victories over Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Justin Walker’s and Rory Delap’s side progressed into the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup in their last match, after defeating Manchester United via a penalty shootout.
In normal time, the sides drew 2-2. Derby took the lead in the third minute of the match, with Connor Dixon’s volley from outside of the penalty area deflecting past the visiting goalkeeper.
United equalised through Tahith Chong to put the game level just 10 minutes later.
Derby regained the lead midway through the first half, after Jayden Bogle curled in a spectacular free kick at the near post.
The visitors levelled the match for a second time, when Aidan Barlow headed in substitute Millen Baars’ cross.
The two sides could not be separated during extra time, which took the Third Round tie to penalties.
Rams’ substitute goalkeeper Joe Fryatt was the hero of the shootout, saving three United spot kicks to send his side into the next round.
Derby’s converted penalties were scored by Henry Wise, Jayden Bogle and Jason Knight, as they were 3-1 winners.
Walker’s and Delap’s side will go into to Saturday’s clash against Everton in fifth position in the league table; the Toffees are currently fourth and they are level on points with the Rams.
Everton are only ahead of them on goal difference, but they have played one game less than Derby have.
The two sides have played each other twice already this season.
In August, they faced off in the league, where a brace from Connor Dixon and a goal from Jayden Bogle guided Derby to a 3-1 victory at USM Finch Farm.
The two sides then locked horns in December in the Premier League Cup, where a Jayden Mitchell-Lawson penalty was the difference, as the Rams were 1-0 winners.
Derby will be hoping to get their third win over Everton in this campaign on Saturday and extend their current unbeaten streak to 12 matches at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby.
Words by Jonty Colman
Images by Harry Marshall