Derby County Under-18’s manager Justin Walker admitted his side were “magnificent” after their 5-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion.
Goals from Archie Brown, Max Bird, Javaun Splatt and a Louie Sibley brace saw off the Baggies in the tie at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby on Saturday.
The Rams were two goals to the good on the half-time whistle as Brown’s composed opener was added to by a lovely, curling finish from Bird shortly before the break.
Sibley then bagged two in a 15-minute period to put the game out of sight, firstly with a cool, solo finish added to as he tapped home a drilled cross to cap off an impressive team move.
With 20 minutes to go Splatt sealed victory by capitalising on the Baggies’ goalkeeper, Ted Cann, fumbling a routine save to tap in Derby’s fifth.
“I thought that we were magnificent to be honest, other than the first 15 minutes, we dominated the game,” Walker said, speaking to dcfc.co.uk.
“We were in total control and showed our quality.
“It’s been a tough week for us, we’ve got six or seven players who’ve been sidelined through injury this week, but it just shows the strength in depth of the squad that we’ve got.
“Clearly we had some of the senior players playing today which really helped, and they certainly showed their quality.”
Victory against West Brom was Walker’s side’s tenth consecutive win in the league, which maintained the Rams’ position at the top of the Premier League – North.
Derby face Manchester City, Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final three games of the season, which Walker is staying grounded for.
He said: “We’ve got a process in place that we believe in and we won’t change what we do, it’s served us well throughout the season and the players have had a massive involvement in that.
“They’ve contributed brilliantly throughout the season in how we prepare for games during the week and nothing will be any different for the next three games.
“The players are a pleasure to work with, on a daily basis they give it their all, they push each other to improve and they’re all fighting and chomping at the bit to play for the club.”
Words by Andrew Haines