Derby County Under-18’s impressive second-half showing secured an emphatic 4-1 victory away at Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League Cup on Saturday.
A brace from Jack Stretton added to with goals from Morgan Whittaker and Jason Knight ensured a successful trip to the South coast.
After a first-half which Justin Walker’s side enjoyed the lion’s share of the chances, it was Brighton who took the lead shortly before the half-time whistle.
A long ball over the top found the feet of Jack Spong who was able to drive into the Derby penalty area and his goal-bound effort took a deflection which diverted the ball over Sam French.
However, The Rams’ youngsters flew out of the traps in the second-half and within 20 minutes were in front as Stretton provided two powerful finishes in the space of seven minutes to complete take the lead.
Goal number three was added by Whittaker, as Knight raced into the Brighton half he was able to shrug off the challenge of the defender to square to Whittaker who applied the cool finish.
The route was then completed by Knight, one minute from time shortly after Brighton were reduced to 10-men as Julien Carre saw red for an off the ball incident, Knight found the back of the net from close range to make the man advantage count.
Next up in the competition the Under-18s will face Sunderland at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby on Saturday, 10th November.
What’s To Come…
Next up The Rams face Stoke City at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby next Saturday, kick-off 11am.
Last time out in the league the Potters ran out 4-0 winners as they hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stoke’s Clayton Wood Training Ground.
They currently occupy seventh in the table, three places below the Under-18s.
The Next Five…
Derby County U18s Vs Stoke City U18s – Saturday, 6th October 2018 (kick-off 11am)
West Bromwich Albion U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday, 20th October 2018 (kick-off 11am)
Everton U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday, 27th October 2018 (Kick-off 12pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Sunderland U18s – Saturday, 3rd November (kick-off 1pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Sunderland U18s – Saturday, 10th November (kick-off 1pm)
Words: Andrew Haines