3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-18s maintained their lead at the top of the Premier League – North table with a convincing 5-0 win against West Bromwich Albion.
It was one-way traffic for the majority of the match and that was reflected in the scoreline thanks to goals from Archie Brown, Max Bird, Javaun Splatt and a Louie Sibley brace.
It took just five minutes for the hosts to get their noses in front as Connor Dixon floated a perfectly-weighted ball into the path of Brown who took the chance brilliantly, diverting past Ted Cann in the Baggies’ goal.
The opener settled any nerves and after a period where Derby could have doubled their lead on a couple of occasions, they managed to net their second right on the stroke of half-time.
It was once again Dixon at the heart of the move and he managed to grab another assist, feeding the ball to Bird who curled a wonderful strike into the top corner.
The onslaught continued after the interval and just two minutes into the second-half, the Rams got a third and it came from a great passing move. The ball eventually fell to Sibley’s feet and after evading a desperate challenge, he calmly slotted past the goalkeeper.
The 17-year-old was able to double his tally on the hour mark. Some great work down the right-hand side from Brown saw him send a low cross towards Sibley who had the simple task of finishing into an empty net.
The scoring was complete ten minutes later as Javaun Splatt was the beneficiary of an unfortunate goalkeeping error from the West Brom stopper who had allowed the ball to squirm through his legs into the path of the unmarked striker.
What’s To Come…
The Under-18s host Manchester City in their next match as they look to move within touching distance of the Premier League – North Under-18 title.
The Rams drew 2-2 with the Citizens when they met in the league back in September but were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by City in a 2-1 defeat at Pride Park two months ago.
The game will take place on 16th April and will be played at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby, kick-off 12pm.
The Final Three…
Derby County U18s vs Manchester City U18s – Tuesday 16th April 2019 (kick-off: 12pm)
Derby County U18s vs Manchester United U18s – Saturday 20th April 2019 (kick-off: 12pm)
Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s vs Derby County U18s – Saturday 27th April 2019 (kick-off: 11am)
Words by Ed Mackey
