After their “encouraging” start to a busy period of games midweek, Derby County Under-18s will be looking to build on that against Newcastle United, kick-off 1pm.
After going a goal down in the final 20 minutes, a late goal from Captain Lee Buchanan ensured a share of the spoils against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.
Justin Walker described the comeback as an “encouraging performance” as the Under-18s began an 11-day period which will see them play four games.
In the opening half against the Baggies, the experienced Rams side reaped no rewards for their controlling performance.
Jayden Mitchell-Lawson came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock as he powerfully drove into the West Brom box and cracked his effort against the post.
The Under-18s continued the second-half as they’d finished the first, with constant pressure all one way in the Premier League – North tie.
Henry Wise, Yoann Greco and Cameron Cresswell all came close to netting the opener, however with 72 minutes played the Baggies broke on the counter and a goalmouth scramble resulted in the ball being poked beyond Derby goalkeeper Matt Yates.
The West Brom goal did not spurn the Derby pressure, as in the final minutes centre-back Buchanan rose highest in the box to meet Max Bird’s corner to level the game and share the points.
With 19 games played Walker’s and Delap’s side currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League – North ahead of the final three games of the season.
Opponents, Newcastle, sit two standings lower in eighth place having collected 23 points from 19 games. Last time out the Magpies were beaten 2-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In the reverse fixture back in November the two sides played out a 2-2 draw with goals from Jason Knight and an own goal from Magpies defender Max Allen overturning a two goal deficit.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 1pm with the game taking place at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby.
Words: Andrew Haines