Derby County’s Under-18s continued their fine form over the weekend, beating Stoke City 3-0 away from home to extend their unbeaten run to five games.
The Rams were in complete control throughout, especially with consistently slick passing in midfield and that passing led to the opening goal.
Space was created out wide left for Jordan Mills, whose cross was stabbed into the far corner by midfielder Louie Sibley for his first of the day.
Derby were untroubled in the first half, and their dominance paid off when their lead was doubled heading into the break as Sibley rose highest to meet a pinpoint free-kick from Jayden Bogle.
The defence was expertly marshalled by captain Fuseine Rashid and the centre-back’s defensive positioning was flawless, nullifying any potential Stoke City attacks before they even started.
Bogle’s resilience and tackling prowess saw no change given to the Potters’ wingers and Sam French in the Derby goal was never troubled.
Rashid added to his superb display by putting the gloss on a stellar team performance with the team’s third goal, and his first of the campaign.
A short corner played into the box drew a spectacular double save from Mate Deczki in the Stoke goal from Rashid’s initial effort, but when the ball was worked back in there was nothing Deczki could do about the Swedish defender’s towering header.
There was only ever going to be one winner in this fixture and Derby make the short trip home to the East Midlands with a well-deserved three points in a comfortable and pleasing game, extending the current undefeated run to five games in all competitions.
The clean sheet sees Derby’s return as the division’s tightest defence with just eight goals conceded to date, the only side in the league not to ship at least ten this year.
This spark of form also sees the Rams level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League - North table with 15 points after eight matches, albeit with City having two games in hand.
What's To Come...
The Rams’ next opponents are once again West Bromwich Albion - this time in the Under-18 Premier League Cup.
Derby will go into the fixture full of confidence after beating the Baggies 3-1 away from home just two matches previous.
It is still all to play for in the group, after the first matchday Derby have one point following a 1-1 draw against Swansea City whilst Everton top the group following their 1-0 victory over West Brom.
Next Five…
Derby County Under 18s Vs West Bromwich Albion Under 18s – Saturday 4th November (kick-off: 11am)
Derby County Under 18s Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Under 18s – Saturday 18th November (kick-off: 11am)
Newcastle United Under 18s Vs Derby County Under 18s – Saturday 25th November (kick-off: 12pm)
Derby County Under 18s Vs Everton Under 18s – Saturday 2nd December (kick-off: 12pm)
Derby County Under 18s Vs Manchester City Under 18s – Saturday 9th December (kick-off: 12pm)
Words by Jools Jordan-Probert
