Derby County Under-18s returned to winning ways on Saturday with a comfortable 3-1 win over Sunderland at the Derby County Training Centre.
A brace from defender Eiran Cashin and an own-goal saw Justin Walker’s side to victory after dominating for much of the game.
In blustery conditions at the Derby County Training Centre, the Rams were on the front foot from the off and took the lead after 10 minutes. Jaden Charles’ driven corner was met by Cashin, and his looping header found the far corner of the net.
Jack Stretton would then go close to doubling his side’s lead. Connor Dixon drove forward from midfield and fired in a cross, but Stretton couldn’t quite get over the ball as he rose for the header.
Despite dominating possession in the first period, the score remained 1-0 at half-time and Derby would need to capitalise on any other chances that came their way after the break.
Just one minute into the second-half and they made it 2-0. A quickly taken free-kick caught Sunderland off-guard as a cross was fired into the area and the ball was turned in by an unlucky defender for an own-goal.
The Rams would be made to work harder still for their win though as Sunderland got back into the contest through Lilyan Compper’s smart finish.
However, the wind would play a part as Derby restored their two-goal lead late on. Cashin played a dangerous ball forward looking for Dixon’s well-timed run, but the ball missed everyone and flew into the far corner.
What’s To Come…
Sunderland come to the Derby County Training Centre again next weekend as the Rams face their second game in the Premier League Cup.
In the first game in the competition, Justin Walker’s side ran out 4-1 winners over Brighton and Hove Albion back in September.
A 13-day break then comes before Derby’s next Premier League-North game away at Liverpool.
Next Five…
Derby County U18s Vs Sunderland U18s - Saturday 10th November 2018 (kick-off: 1pm)
Liverpool U18s Vs Derby County U18s - Friday 23rd November 2018 (kick-off: 7pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s - Saturday 1st December 2018 (kick-off: 11pm)
Aston Villa U18s Vs Derby County U18s - Saturday 8th December 2018 (kick-off: 11am)
Derby County U18s Vs Manchester United U18s – Saturday 12th January 2019 (kick-off: 12pm)