A late trialist goal at a windy Moor Farm saw Derby draw 1-1 and remain fourth in the Under-18 Premier League – North.
It was difficult for both sides to get a foothold in the game early on in difficult conditions with Derby against the wind in the first half.
Middlesbrough were the side on top for the early stages with a high press and looked the more likely to open the scoring. A fine header was cleared off the line at the back post for the reds 15 minutes in.
Shortly after, the visitors came close again with a thunderous effort from AJ Bridge crashing against the bar from the edge of the area.
Midway through the first half, Boro had the ball in the net from Yacou Traore’s rebound but was disallowed and flagged for offside.
The best chance of the half was from Ola Ibrahim who dragged his shot wide one on one with the keeper with 40 minutes played.
Early in the second half, Derby were awarded a penalty after a trialist was brought down just inside the box. Boro keeper Jacob Bulmer got down well to his right to deny Ibrahim from the spot.
Midway through the second half the visitors opened the scoring. A left footed cross from Bridge was headed in from six yards by midfielder Luke Woolston.
The Rams were on top for the remainder of the game and were rewarded with an equaliser ten minutes to play. Great football from a trialist who played a lovely one-two with Ibrahim and slotted the ball home expertly off the post from inside the area.
The hosts continued to push for a winner and almost got it as substitute Reece Nicholas-Davies’ cross found a trialist at the back post whose low strike was saved from a tight angle.
The wind almost came to Derby’s aid very late on as Cian Kelly’s corner almost found its way in.
The Rams miss out on a chance to move up to third in the U18s Premier League but will get another opportunity next week as they travel to third placed Blackburn Rovers.
Words: Peter Mahoney