Lead Professional Development Phase Coach Adam Robinson was pleased with the defensive resiliency shown by his team to secure only their second clean sheet of the season in their 1-0 win over Everton at Moor Farm.
Dajaune Brown's late goal was enough to grab all three points as the Derby County Under-18s made it four home wins on the bounce in the league – which also saw them push up to fourth in the U18 Premier League.
Robinson highlighted the challenging weather conditions as a reason for his team's slow start to the game but expressed his delight with the team's reaction after the break.
"It was a hard-fought result," said Robinson. "We always know what we're up against when we play a team like Everton, so I am really pleased to get the win and the clean sheet which is massive for us.
"[The wind] settled down a bit in the second half, but before the break, it was a real struggle with the wind across the pitch, and I don't think either team got the ball down and played with confidence.
"I wanted them to show more courage with the ball and play through the midfield more as we asked the two midfielders to play closer together at half-time.
"We also wanted to hurt them in the wide areas, which has been a strong suit for us in recent weeks."
The Under-18s Head Coach was also quick to highlight some individual performances within his team as the reason for the hard-fought victory.
Bayo Fapetu and goalscorer Brown's performances have been crucial during this home stand from the Under-18s, and both players put in another solid performance which pleased their manager.
Robinson continued: "He [Fapetu] works hard daily, so it is good to see him reaping the rewards, and also, having Darren Robinson back who has played with the Under-23s gives him more security in the middle of the pitch.
"As for Dajaune [Brown], he has pleased me with his recent performances, so it was great for him to get the winning goal as a reward for the hard work he has put in."
With the constant rotation and movement of players in academy football, it is hard for the coach to settle on a shape and style of play. However, the recent run of positive results has Robinson feeling more assured in his game plan, which showed again against Everton.
Robinson explained: "Player availability, of course, plays a big role in how we set up and the style of play we adopt but I do feel a bit more settled in how I want them to play.
"We feel secure with a double pivot in midfield which allows Sam [Sebagabo] to press forward free and contribute to attacks which are working well at the moment."
Another home win is enough of a cause for celebration in the Derby ranks, but more importantly for Robinson and his Under-18s was the clean sheet against tough opposition.
With it being only their second clean sheet, having played 14, the reaction of the team and the coaching staff at the end of the game was justified, and Robinson echoed this.
The Under-18s Head Coach finished with: "Our first clean sheet since the first game of the season, and you can see from the reaction at the end of the game and the way they defended for the final ten minutes that it meant a lot to the team.
"They defended compactly and with composure despite the late pressure and the handful of set-pieces that they faced, so they were buzzing when they got back to the changing room.
"We rode our luck a little bit in the first half, but we settled into the game defensively as it went on and cut out the silly mistakes which usually cost us."
Words: Sam Allen