Derby County Under-18s will look to continue a run of impressive recent form as they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Training Centre in partnership with University of Derby on Saturday, kick-off 11am.
Justin Walker’s side have been in scintillating form of late and find themselves on a run which has seen them lose only one game in league and cup since August.
Last time out the young Rams defeated high flying Liverpool away from home in the Premier League – North.
Walker was understandably delighted with his side’s 2-1 victory, with the Rams having been reduced to 10 men after Eiran Cashin saw red two minutes into the second-half.
Speaking to dcfc.co.uk Walker said: “I’m really proud of the players, their attitude, discipline, work ethic, everything we pride ourselves on at the club, in the academy and throughout the club was on show tonight.
“They were magnificent, and they are an honest bunch of players who give you everything and have some real talent.
“We had pace and power and they were willing to run for each other both ways and I thought we could have probably gone on and scored more goals.”
Derby took the lead through a deflected Morgan Whittaker strike midway through the first-half which was cancelled out by Bobby Duncan just before the break.
Despite having a man sent off, the 10-man Rams dug deep and Jason Knight was on hand to secure the three points with a goal just after the hour mark.
Saturday’s opponents, Wolves, have endured a steady start to the season having collected 10 points in as many games in the Premier League – North.
They sit ninth in the table, five places lower than the Under-18s, and last time out recorded a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at their Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.
Chem Campbell and Austin Samuels were on target for the Wanderers in that tie.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 11am and will take place at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby.
Words: Andrew Haines