Derby County Under-18s won their eighth straight league game on Saturday with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Stoke City.
Connor Dixon opened the scoring in the first-half but the Rams found themselves 2-1 down in the latter stages of the game after two quickfire Stoke goals.
Morgan Whittaker levelled the game up with a superb finish and was then positioned perfectly to net the all-important winner in the final minutes.
Derby took the lead after 13 minutes when the ball was cut back to Connor Dixon in the box and he slammed the ball into the roof of the net.
Stoke would have first-half chances of their own and went close to levelling the game up when a mishit cross struck the post. Striker Mohamed Sankoh then forced a superb save from Sam French and a vital goalline clearance from Jordan Brown.
The Rams held their advantage until the 61st minute as Stoke fought their way back into the contest.
Visiting ‘keeper French saved one penalty superbly but would concede from another spot-kick just five minutes later as Sankoh coverted, and then Tom Sparrow lofted a shot into the net from just inside the area.
This sparked a determined ending to the game from Derby though. Following a strong period of possession, Morgan Whittaker made it 2-2 as he seized upon a loose ball outside the box and curled home expertly inside the near post.
And with just one minute of normal time remaining, a deep cross into the area caused panic in the home defence and Whittaker was again on hand to tap home and secure a crucial three points for his side.
What’s To Come…
The Rams now have a two-week break until their next game in Premier League – North.
They travel to face Sunderland on Saturday 30th March before they play their game in hand on Liverpool by facing Manchester City at the Derby County Training Centre.
Three further games follow after that in what could be an exciting end to the campaign for Derby.
The Next Five…
Sunderland Under-18s Vs Derby County Under-18s – Saturday 30th March 2019 (kick-off: 1pm)
Derby County Under-18s Vs Manchester City Under-18s – Tuesday 2nd April 2019 (kick-off: 1pm)
Derby County Under-18s Vs West Bromwich Albion Under-18s – Saturday 6th April 2019 (kick-off: 11am)
Derby County Under-18s Vs Manchester United Under-18s – Saturday 20th April 2019 (kick-off: 12pm)
Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-18s Vs Derby County Under-18s – Saturday 27th April 2019 (kick-off: 11am)