3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-18s stretched their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions with a superb 5-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The Rams found themselves 1-0 down at half-time but completed a brilliant turnaround with a rampant second-half display and goals from Jaden Charles, Liam Thompson, Morgan Whittaker, Jason Knight and Jack Stretton.
It was Derby who controlled the opening spells of the game. Jason Knight was unfortunate to see his shot flash right across the face of goal and Connor Dixon would also have a fierce strike deflected wide by a vital West Brom challenge.
They were thankful to goalkeeper Sam French for keeping the score at 0-0, however. He produced a stunning double save to deny the hosts an opener midway through the first-half.
Despite his efforts, the side would go into half-time 1-0 down. West Brom went ahead as Eoin Ashton found the bottom corner with a free-kick from just outside the area.
After the break, the Rams seemed determined to sway the game back in their favour, and it didn’t take long for them to take the lead.
From a similar range to West Brom’s opening goal, Jaden Charles stepped up and bent in a powerful free-kick of his own, and then his dangerous cross just five minutes later saw Liam Thompson fire into an empty net.
Justin Walker’s side then made it 3-1 shortly after when Morgan Whittaker was put through on goal to finish calmly, and Jason Knight got in on the act when he rounded the West Brom keeper and rolled home.
Jack Stretton rounded off a great team display when he found enough space inside the area to direct his shot across goal and into the far corner.
What’s To Come…
The win against West Brom sees the Rams consolidate fourth place in Premier League North by moving onto 17 points.
Their next league game sees them travel away to Everton next weekend.
They then face two consecutive matches at home to Sunderland; once in the league and then in the second instalment of their Premier League Cup campaign.
The Next Five…
Everton U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Saturday, 27th October 2018 (kick-off 12pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Sunderland U18s – Saturday, 3rd November 2018 (kick-off 1pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Sunderland U18s (U18s Premier League Cup) – Saturday, 10th November 2018 (kick-off 1pm)
Liverpool U18s Vs Derby County U18s – Friday, 23rd November 2018 (kick-off 7pm)
Derby County U18s Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s – Saturday, 1st December 2018 (kick-off 11am)
