A first-half Ola Ibrahim goal earned Derby County's Under-18s a 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool on Saturday afternoon, keeping them fourth in the Under-18s Premier League - North.
Both teams struggled to get a foothold in the game in the first ten minutes at Moor Farm Training Ground, with Liverpool having the better of the chances. A long ball from Lee Jonas found Harvey Blair inside the box, but he could only hit the side netting.
Derby started to get into the game with 15 minutes played. They almost took the lead with 20 minutes gone as a strong effort from Marko Borkovic after some great feet was saved well by the Reds’ goalkeeper.
Liverpool had a strong attacking spell for the majority of the half. Rams’ goalkeeper Harry Evans was called into action multiple times, as he expertly tipped a towering header over the bar from a close distance.
The visitors threatened as Blair was allowed time and space on the right-hand side, but fantastic Derby defending prevented a Liverpool lead on more than one occasion.
With 30 minutes played, Ibrahim pounced on a mistake from Jonas as he raced through on goal. He made no mistake, slotting the ball under Luke Hewitson to give Derby the lead.
The Rams had their tails up, coming straight back at Liverpool a minute later as they nearly grabbed a second. A threaded pass from Billy Gough found Borkovic who raced the Reds goalkeeper to the ball but just missed out.
Liverpool forward Oakley Cannonier came close to an equaliser at the end of the first interval, but excellent goalkeeping from Evans denied the number nine.
Derby came out into the second half on top. They nearly doubled their lead on the hour mark as Ibrahim let fly from the edge of the box but his powerful effort crashed against the post.
Following the hour mark, Liverpool had a great spell going forward. Cannonier came close, but his tame effort was held by Evans low to his right.
With 65 minutes gone, the ball somehow didn’t end up in the Derby net. Fantastic goalkeeping from Evans kept out a powerful volley, and Jonas’ rebound from close range was sent wide.
Five minutes later, Liverpool got their equaliser. Cannonier headed home from a free kick to reward the Red’s second half pressing.
Minutes later, Cannonier should have netted his second for Liverpool. He made a great run into the box but dragged his shot wide.
For the remaining 15 minutes, it was a very closely contested affair. The Rams fought hard to find a winner in the late stages. Sam Sebagabo and Reece Nicholas-Davies came close towards the end of the game but had nothing to show for their efforts.
It was a hardworking and resolute performance from the Rams against top opposition as they remain fourth in the Under-18 Premier League - North.
Derby's Under-18s will resume their league campaign after the international break with a trip north to face Newcastle United on Saturday 2nd April (1pm kick-off).
Derby County Under-18s: Evans (GK), Brailsford (C), Gough, Hawkins, Christie, Rutt, Borkovic (Nicholas-Davies 46), Trialist, Ibrahim, Sebagabo, Kelly-Caprani (Robinson 80).
Substitutes Not Used: Roberts (GK), Davidson, Wheeldon.
Words: Peter Mahoney