Derby County’s Under-21s produced their finest Premier League 2 display of the season so far as they defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21s 4-1 at a cold and wet Moor Farm Training Ground on Monday night.
An early own goal followed by three goals in an incredible seven minutes by Jack Perry, Lennon Wheeldon and Niall McAndrew saw the Rams take all three points.
Chances were few and far between in the opening 20 minutes, and it took a bit of luck for the deadlock to be broken as Freddie Turley’s corner was turned into his own net by Wolves defender Alfie White.
The second came just after the half an hour mark when Derby’s high press forced an error from Wolves goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin, as he played it straight into the path of Perry who tapped home into an empty net.
Derby’s third came just three minutes later, as Perry turned provider this time. He played in Wheeldon, who beat the offside trap, stayed composed and slotted his effort into the bottom corner.
The pick of the bunch came another three minutes later, as Wales youth international Cruz Allen picked out McAndrew at the back post with an inch perfect cross, and the Republic of Ireland Under-19 international was on hand to volley home to cap off a brilliant first-half performance.
The Rams had to weather the storm both on and off the pitch, as the rain poured down as Wolves searched for a way back into the game.
It took until the 70th minute for the Rams’ defiant defence to be breached. A corner wasn’t cleared and the ball ricocheted around the penalty area before it fell kindly for Wolves’ Fletcher Holman, who reacted quickest and fired home.
Jake Buxton’s side stood strong to withstand any more Wolves pressure as they held on to pick up their second victory of the Premier League 2 season.
The Under-21s are back in action on Monday 7th October when they head to Sunderland in Premier League 2 ahead of the latest international break (7pm kick-off).
Derby County Under-21s: Price (GK), Bardell, Gill, Turley (Hawkins 64), Osayande, K Robinson, Perry (Cox 85), Allen, Wheeldon, Stepien-Iwumene, McAndrew (Moloney 82).
Substitutes Not Used: Shattell (GK), Spencer.
Words: Will Stanier.