Derby County’s Under-18s were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw away at Blackburn Rovers in Premier League - North on Saturday in what was a frustrating afternoon in front of goal for the Rams.
Justin Walker's and Rory Delap’s side created chances throughout the game through intricate attacking moves, and they even hit the crossbar in the second half, but couldn’t quite force the ball over the line.
In a highly competitive first-half, Derby had the first opportunity of the match five minutes in. Jayden Bogle produced an inviting cross from the right, but Jayden Mitchell-Lawson fired a first-time volley just over the bar.
An almost identical move down the opposite flank 20 minutes later saw a cross fizzed in by Mitchell-Lawson. Louie Sibley met the ball with conviction but couldn’t direct his effort on target.
Derby were pressing the Blackburn backline high up the pitch, and this produced another great chance to open the scoring. The lively Mitchell-Lawson won the ball back and played in Jack Haywood, but the midfielder’s low shot was well parried by home 'keeper Matthew Campbell.
The Rams’ defence had to stay strong early in the second half when Blackburn went close. A looping header looked destined for goal but Morgan Whittaker cleared well off the line.
In the end, though, robustness at the back from both sides saw the points shared in Lancashire.
Derby County: Yates, Bogle, Mills, Haywood, Minkley, Carter-Thompson, Whittaker, Knight, Stretton, Sibley, Mitchell-Lawson
Substitutes: Rashid, French, Mbuti, Davie, Fryatt
What’s To Come…
The Rams next face Middlesbrough at home in their last fixture of September on Saturday 30th and will be looking to get back to winning ways after two draws and a loss from their last three fixtures.
Derby will also be looking to keep up their strong defensive record this season in the coming games as no other team in the league has conceded fewer.
After a positive start to the season, the Under-18s remain in third place in the Premier League-North with eight points.
Next Five…
Derby County U18s Vs Middlesbrough U18s - Saturday 30th September (kick-off 13pm)
West Bromwich Albion Vs Derby County U18s - Saturday 14th October (kick-off 11am)
Stoke City U18s Vs Derby County U18s - Saturday 21st October (kick-off 11am)
Derby County U18s Vs West Bromwich Albion U18s – Saturday 4th November (kick-off 11am)
Derby County U18s Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s – Saturday 18th November (kick-off 11am)
Words by Marc Walker
Images by Harry Marshall
