Derby County Under-21s fell to a late 2-1 defeat to Southampton Under-21s on Friday afternoon in Premier League 2.


Cruz Allen's late strike looked to have earned the Rams a point but a 97th minute own-goal won the game for the home side.

The game started evenly on the South Coast with both sides having a number of attempts at goal.

But the deadlock was broken in the 35th minute by the hosts when Samuel Amo-Ameyaw fired a fine strike beyond Jack Thompson in the Derby goal.

Jake Buxton's side pushed for the leveller after the break and they finally got it with 10 minutes remaining when Allen slotted beyond Josh Jeffries.

There was still plenty of time for both sides to nab a winner and unfortunately for the Rams, it was the home team that did exactly that.

With virtually the last kick of the game, an own-goal from defender Harry Jeffcott ensured it was the young Saints that would take all three points.

The Team

Starting XI: Thompson (GK), Moore, Jeffcott, Hawkins, Bartley (81' Oguntolu), Robinson, Perry, Allen, Wheeldon, Weston, Moloney (64' Gough).

Substitutes not used: Ridd (GK), Lindsay, McAndrew.