3/1 To Win
Derby County’s Under-18s recorded back-to-back wins for the first time in 2018 as they defeated Middlesbrough 4-2 at the Rockliffe Park Training Complex.
Following a 3-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers in their previous Premier League – North fixture, Derby’s impressive first half display secured the return of three points to Derbyshire.
In an emphatic opening half, the Rams took the lead early on after some smart attacking movement set in Tyree Wilson down the left-hand side, his cross was tipped by the Boro goalkeeper into the path of Ayomide Jibodu and he coolly tapped in the loose ball.
Just minutes later the tie was drawn level, a pinpoint ball was delivered by Middlesbrough’s Stephen Walker from wide left onto the head of Stephen Wearne and his cushioned header nestled just inside the post.
From there Justin Walker and Rory Delap’s side took the game by the scruff of the neck and put themselves out of sight with three quick-fire goals.
Moments after the equaliser, Derby pushed themselves back in front, a rebounded cross found Jack Haywood on the edge of the area from where he powerfully fired the ball into the bottom corner.
Number three then quickly followed, a ferocious shot from the left boot of Wilson forced a stunning save from Sol Brynn in the Boro goal to tip the ball wide. The resulting corner was met by the head of Tyreece Robinson who powered home.
To complete the rout, soon after it was four. An excellently delivered free-kick from Jordan Mills found the head of an unmarked Louie Sibley and his guided header flew past the stranded ‘keeper.
Having led 4-1 at the break the second half began and continued in stark contrast to the first, with few chances going the way of either side.
Midway through the half Middlesbrough grabbed their second, having attacked in numbers to find a way back into the game, Walker found Liam Cooke on the edge of the area and he lashed into the net.
Little else fell for the sides by way of chances and the game finished 4-2 as the Rams secured back-to-back victories.
What’s To Come…
Next up the Rams face West Bromwich Albion at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby.
The Baggies recorded a 1-1 draw against Stoke City last time out and have won two of their previous three fixtures.
When the two sides last met Derby were 3-1 winners, with an Adam Davie double and Morgan Whittaker on the scoresheet.
The Next Five…
Derby County U18s vs. West Bromwich Albion U18s - Saturday 3rd March 2018 (kick-off 11am)
Liverpool U18s vs. Derby County U18s - Saturday 10th March 2018 (kick-off 12am)
Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s vs. Derby County U18s - Saturday 17th March 2018 (kick-off 11am)
Derby County U18s vs. Stoke City U18s - Saturday 7th April (kick-off 11am)
Derby County U18s vs. Newcastle United U18s - Saturday 14th April (kick-off 1pm)
Words by Andrew Haines
