An impressive performance from Manchester City Under-18s saw Derby County Under-18s defeated 3-0 at Moor Farm Training Centre in the Under-18 Premier League North.
Christian Dunbar McDonald was a handful for the young Rams defence all afternoon as his goal and assist helped seal a 3-0 win for the away side.
The defeat was Derby’s third loss of the season and they remain eighth in the league standings.
It was an end-to-end start to the match, as both teams had a fair share of possession but neither could create any clear cut chances.
Alfie Harrison’s delicate cross found Alfa-Rupercht at the back post for an easy headed finish to open the scoring for the away side.
Following City’s opener Derby had to soak up the pressure as the visitors’ dominance began to cause trouble for the defence.
Derby almost found themselves two goals down just moments after the City opener, as Harrison’s driven cross couldn’t find Alfa-Rupercht this time as he arrived late in the box.
Although the Rams were beginning to grow into the game, the away side had yet another chance in the opening 45 minutes as a volley from City’s Warhurst struck the post, leaving goalkeeper Jack Thompson rooted to the spot.
Just minutes later Warhurst made it 2-0 to the visitors as he found himself on the end of a cutback from Dunbar McDonald for an effortless finish into a vacant Derby net.
The second half began as the first ended, as City continued to have the lion’s share of possession as they kept the ball in the Derby County half.
The visitors made it three goals to the good as Alfa-Rupercht made a darting run down the right flank and found Dunbar McDonald at the far post for an easy bottom corner finish.
Derby will look to bounce back in their next fixture as they travel away to play against City’s neighbours Manchester United at Carrington Training Ground on Saturday 7th October.
Derby County Under-18s: Thompson (GK), Perry, Gill, Hawkins (Agustien 70), Osayande, Robinson (C), Simons (Oguntolu 54), Eames (Tola 54), Wheeldon, Allen, McAndrew.
Unused Substitutes: Banks, Price (GK).
Manchester City Under-18s: Wint (GK), Carrington, Noble (C) (Thomas 80) Mfuni, Naylor, Gray, Alfa-Ruprecht, Batty (Fapetu 68), Warhurst (Fletcher 68), Harrison, Dunbar-McDonald (Brits 80).
Unused Substitutes: Henderson-Hall.
Words: Joe Bird