Johnson Osong’s late goal sealed a 3-1 win for Derby County Under-18s over Middlesbrough at Moor Farm Training Ground on Saturday afternoon to stay top of the Under-18 Premier League - North.
Justin Oguntolu and Khace Gordon were also on the scoresheet to secure all three points for Danny Maye’s side and see them remain unbeaten so far in the 2024/25 campaign.
The game began in an even manner with both sides sharing the possession, however it was Derby who looked the more dangerous of the two.
An inch-perfect line ball from Isaac Gordon found Osong, whose square pass found Oguntolu ready to fire home at the far post after 37 minutes.
The visitors equalised a few minutes later after McCartney Woodhouse’s whipped pass across the face of the Derby goal allowed Leon Parker to finish first-time.
Not long before the break the young Rams had the lead again. Right-back Gordon played a one-two with Oguntolu, and then executed a delightful curling finish over Oliver Lloyd in the Boro net and into the top left corner.
In the second half Derby dominated the possession and created numerous chances but the score remained 2-1 as the game reached the final stages.
Damiene Agustien’s strike crashed into the left post and fell kindly to Osong who was waiting to pass the ball into the vacant Middlesbrough net.
Next up for the Under-18s is a trip to Norwich City in the Premier League Cup on Saturday 5th October (1pm kick-off), before returning to league action with a trip to Leeds United on Saturday 19th October (12pm kick-off).
The Team
Derby County Under-18s: Rees (GK), K Gordon (Marriott 46), I Gordon, Tola, Canoville, Banks (C), Oguntolu, Agustien, Agbawodikeizu (Richards 57), Eames, Osong.
Substitutes Not Used: Hazard (GK), Doyle, Hodges.
Post-Match Reaction
Academy Goalkeeping Coach Josh Barnes was pleased with the side’s performance, despite a lack of cutting edge in front of goal at times despite scoring three times to win the game.
He said: “We saw good bits in spells. We built out from the back really well and got into the final third very well, as we have done all season.
“We were just missing that final bit as, although we scored three, we could have had six or seven in truth with the amount of chances we had.”
Oguntolu picked up a goal and assist playing out on the wing, despite previously playing as more of a central striker.
Barnes explained the benefit of having players who can play multiple positions in the side, saying: “It’s important for players’ development that we expose them to different roles.
“Particularly as they go through different age groups, they may find themselves in different roles, so it’s beneficial we can give them exposure of playing in different positions on the pitch.”
The young Rams maintained top spot in the league, but Barnes revealed it’s too early to be focusing on their position in the table.
He said: “We’ve played six matches, so we take it game by game. It’s all about accumulating as many points as we can with good performances and good development opportunities.”
Words: Joe Bird.