Derby County's Under-21s battled to a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at Loughborough University Stadium on Monday evening in Premier League 2.
A first-half Lennon Wheeldon goal for the Rams was cancelled out by a Forest equaliser in the second period as the East Midlands Derby ended level with the points shared.
The Rams were under the tutelage of Under-21s Coach Keith Briggs in the absence of Lead Coach Jake Buxton, who is currently part of the interim first team coaching staff led by Matt Hamshaw.
Derby claimed their second point in a row in league competition, after they played out a goalless draw against Blackburn Rovers in their last Premier League 2 outing, to make it four matches unbeaten in 2025.
After a cagey start, it was England youth international Wheeldon who broke the deadlock as he latched onto a ball into the box to draw first blood with a neat finish.
Riley Moloney came closest to doubling the Rams’ advantage three minutes before half-time, he weaved through the Forest defence, but his effort went just wide of the far post.
Harry Evans made an excellent save to deny Forest an equaliser as he tipped Joel Ndala’s effort around the post.
Forest finally broke through the defiant Derby defence through Kristian Fletcher, as he beat the offside trap and fired home to level the score with 17 minutes to go. Forest pushed for the winner, but the Rams defence stood firm to hold on for the point.
The Rams are back in action on Saturday 15th February when they take on Leeds United at Matlock Town's Proctor Cars Stadium in Premier League 2 (12pm kick-off).
Team News
Derby County Under-21s: Evans (GK), Rooney, Moloney, D Robinson, Turley, Cox (C), Perry, Allen (Stepien-Iwumene 82), Wheeldon, Davidson (Gough 61) (Ebuka Agbawodikeizu 72), Osong.
Substitutes Not Used: Shattell (GK), Osayande.
Words: Will Stanier
