Derby County Under-18s are coming into their own as they plough through a backlog of fixtures and will look to continue the momentum against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
Justin Walker and Rory Delap’s side will travel to Molineux to face Wolves in the Premier League – North clash, kick-off: 12pm.
It will be the Rams’ fourth game over an 11-day stretch after adverse weather lead to postponements. But the quick turnarounds have seemingly suited the squad who’s performances have flourished during the period.
On Saturday a hat-trick by frontman Morgan Whittaker condemned Newcastle United to a 3-1 defeat at the Training Ground in partnership with University of Derby.
Coming off a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion four days earlier and a 3-0 defeat to Stoke just before that, Derby were on the front foot from the first whistle against the Baggies. Although a handful of early chances that materialised didn’t come to fruition.
Whittaker grabbed his first by coolly delivering from a spot kick midway through the first half after being brought down just inside the area.
In the second half, Jayden Mitchell-Lawson provided two pinpoint balls for Whittaker to finish off past the Magpies keeper to complete his hat-trick.
Delap and Walker have applauded their sides’ energy and enthusiasm during their recent hectic schedule. The pair see it as a great learning experience and a chance for the boys to show their physical and mental resilience.
Their hope is that the Rams can remain mentally locked in against Wolves who sit 11th out of 12 in the league and are coming off a 3-1 defeat to Stoke City.
Derby and Wolverhampton Wanderers had a share of the points after a 10-goal thriller in the reverse fixture in November. For the Rams a brace from Jason Knight added to goals from Whittaker, Mitchell-Lawson and Adam Davie.
After 20 games played, Derby currently occupy sixthin the table and are in good positioning to push up higher after their final two games to end the campaign. The last match comes against fourth-placed Manchester City who are three points ahead, though they have a game in hand.