3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-23s boss Darren Wassall was delighted by his side’s performance during their 4-2 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Rams went behind early on in the Premier League 2 – Division 1 clash after an own goal from goalkeeper Josh Barnes and a curling effort from Joe Pritchard. Wassall’s side were quick to level the match after two goals in as many minutes from Cameron Cresswell. Anthony Georgiou and Kazaiah Sterling confirmed the points for Spurs, with goals either side of half time at Hotspur Way.
Despite the result dropping the Rams down to tenth in the table, Wassall was proud of how his side conducted themselves during the six-goal thriller in North London.
He told dcfc.co.uk: “Football can be a cruel game at times and today has proved that.
“To come to Tottenham with such a young side and perform like we did today and lose 4-2 was a bit of an injustice really.
“We know it happens, but we have got to take all of the positives out of today’s performance.
“For the majority of the game, we were by far the better side, we created lots more chances and scored two great goals.
“We are just a little bit gutted for the players that they haven’t got at least a point out there today, because a point is the least they deserve.”
Spurs’ first team are currently performing well in the Premier League and they are renowned for having a one of the finest academies in the country.
Wassall said that his players will have learned a lot from playing against a club with the quality that Tottenham possesses.
“Today was a perfect example of the benefits that our young players will get from playing the likes of Tottenham”, said the Academy Director.
“Tottenham are a top-four Premier League team with all the resources they’ve got and an unbelievable training ground here and they have got some great players.
“For our players to be able to compete with them and to at least deserve a point is a great testament to their character and also their ability as well.”
Both of the Rams’ goals came inside the opening 20 minutes from 18-year-old striker Cresswell.
They were his first goals for the Under-23s, having spent a lot of this season playing under Justin Walker’s and Rory Delap’s Under-18s side. Wassall said that both he and his coaching staff were pleased by the teenagers’ performance.
He said: “I’m delighted for him, he’s come in as the number nine today, hasn’t scored this season for the 23s and he goes and bags two.
“He could have got a hat-trick, so hopefully that will give him confidence for the next two games.
“We are all delighted for him and it was thoroughly deserved with his performance.”
