Derby County’s Under-21s defeated West Bromwich Albion 4-1 at Matlock Town’s Proctor Cars Stadium in Premier League 2 on Friday night.

A frantic eight-minute spell in the first half saw striker Emmanuel Ilesanmi grab a goal, sandwiched between attacking midfielder Cruz Allen’s double. A second-half strike from Johnson Osong secured the Rams’ third league victory of the season.

An inch-perfect free kick from Allen gave Derby the lead in the 12th minute, with Ilesanmi doubling the lead just two minutes later. Conor Washington did well to cut the ball back for the number nine, who set himself and fired home.

Welsh youth international Allen got his second and Derby’s third on the 20-minute mark. Smart wing play from Osong saw him drive forward and beat his man, before picking out Allen in the box who made no mistake from close range.

The visitors pulled one back through Dan Chimeziri, who slotted a cool finish past the helpless Jack Thompson, before half-time.

The Rams continued their strong showing into the second half, adding a fourth just after the hour mark. This time Allen turned provider, pulling it back across the six-yard box for Osong to tap into an empty net.

The result sees Jake Buxton’s side move up to 19th in Premier League 2 on nine points with their focus now turning to Maidenhead United in the National League Cup on Tuesday 5th November (7pm kick-off).

Derby County Under-21s: Thompson (GK), Perry (Wheeldon 80), Gill, D Robinson, Rooney (C), K Robinson, Allen, Turley (Hawkins 54), Ilesanmi (McAndrew 55), Washington, Osong (Davidson 75).

Unused Substitute: Shattell (GK).

Words: Will Stanier.