3/1 To Win
Derby County's Under-23s have been replaced at the top of Premier League 2 Division 1 by Everton following a narrow 1-0 defeat against the Toffees at Finch Farm.
The only goal of the game came with 15 minutes remaining as Ty Browning found Harry Charsley in the penalty area and he fired past Rams goalkeeper Josh Barnes to give Everton the second half advantage.
However, the Rams showed great resilience and had two chances in the final few minutes to draw level. George Thorne shot narrowly wide from a tight angle, whilst in the final seconds of the game, substitute Connor Dixon headed wide from six yards as Derby County fell to defeat.
It was an even first 45 minutes with chances limited for both sides. Barnes was forced into action on 37 minutes as he denied Ellis Simms from close range, whilst a minute later at the other end, Louis Sibley forced a save from the Toffee’s goalkeeper.
The Rams had chances in the opening exchanges of the second half. Thorne had a shot blocked from inside the penalty area as Derby looked to ramp up the pressure.
However, with the game at a stalemate, Everton managed to take the lead against the run of play on 74 minutes through Charsley’s effort from 12 yards.
He almost doubled the Toffee’s lead with 10 minutes remaining as he curled inches wide from the edge of the box.
Derby showed great resilience and threw everything forward in a bid to retain their top shot and were almost rewarded with an equaliser.
After Thorne’s effort from inside the area went agonisingly wide, the best chance came on 89 minutes as Kyle McAllister picked out the onrushing Dixon in the penalty box but he headed millimetres wide.
