Derby County’s Under-18s tasted defeat for the first time in the 2024/25 season with a 3-1 reverse at Norwich City in the Premier League Cup on Saturday.
The clash with the Canaries was the Rams’ second in Group A of this season’s competition, following a thrilling 6-5 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion in August.
Derby fell behind after 26 minutes as Damari Daley put the hosts in front and it remained that way until the half-time break.
Norwich doubled their lead through Hugo Valencia Gomez on 56 minutes, but Danny Maye’s side responded quickly with Charles Ebuka Agbawodikeizu pulling a goal back on the hour mark.
The Canaries sealed the win in added time, as Derby pushed for a leveller, through Lloyd Ofori-Manteaw.
Next up for the Under-18s is a Premier League - North trip to Leeds United on Saturday 19th October (12pm kick-off), while their final Group A fixture in the Premier League Cup will see them host Manchester City on Saturday 23rd November (12pm kick-off).
Team News
Derby County Under-18s: Hardy (GK), Doyle, I Gordon, Tola, Canoville (Connell-Webster 65), Banks, Richards (Agbawodikeizu 30), Agustien, Oguntolu, Eames, Osong (Green 87).
Substitutes Not Used: Rees (GK), Mintus.
Post-Match Reaction
Under-18 Lead Coach Danny Maye said: “Despite the defeat, it was a great experience for the players.
“Norwich were the most physical team we have played this season and it created good problems to solve.
“Despite going in 1-0 down, we had the better chances. They caused us a problem on the counter and they carried a threat on the top line when they got through the press.
“With the ball we had some really good chances but needed to move the ball quicker to stay out of the physical battle.
“In the second half we did this really well. On the ball we combined very well and often got through them.
“We created a lot of good chances but weren't at our best in front of goal and on a different day we could have finished the game off.
“Our press got better but they went direct and gave us little chance to get after them. They countered on us well in the last moment of the game and put the game out of sight. Overall, it was a good learning experience.”