3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-23s suffered defeat on the road as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against an experienced Blackburn Rovers side on Monday afternoon in their latest Premier League 2 - Division 1 fixture.
Derrick Williams and Ben Brereton scored the second half goals for Rovers to seal victory but it could have been a different story had Jahmal Hector-Ingram converted a penalty for the Rams just after the half time interval.
He was fouled in the penalty area and stepped up himself,but he saw his spot kick saved.
It was an even start to proceedings in Lancashire, despite a lengthy stoppage in the third minute as Lee Buchanan received treatment following an injury.
He was able to continue as the Rams and Rovers shared spells of possession without causing opportunities.
In windy conditions, which affected parts of the game, it was Derby who had the first chance of the game.
After good play on the edge of the box, Alex Babos cut inside and curled an effort on target but Blackburn goalkeeper Joe Hilton made a comfortable save.
Striker Hector-Ingram and Blackburn’s John Buckley were in the book soon after for separate challenges.
The game sprung into life with five minutes of the half remaining. Blackburn were denied the lead as Jordan Brown managed to clear off the line following Dominic Samuel’s effort, whilst minutes later, Derby had two chances to take the lead.
Firstly, a deep cross found the head of onrushing Buchanan but his powerful effort was saved at the back post. Soon after, Ikechi Anya met a through ball but his lobbed effort went wide of Hilton’s post.
The Rams had a perfect opportunity to take the lead early in the second half from the penalty spot.
Hector-Ingram was fouled in the area by Tyler Magloire and he stepped up to the kick, however, his effort was saved by Hilton.
Derby would rue that missed opportunity as they fell behind five minutes later.
A free kick into the box was not dealt with by the Rams’ defence and the ball fell perfectly for Williams to strike home from close range to give the home side the lead.
Rovers managed to double their lead with 20 minutes remaining. A strong run from striker Brereton saw him race into the box and fire past Heinrich Ravas to give Rovers a comfortable advantage.
The Rams rallied and almost pulled one back late in the game from Hector-Ingram’s acrobatic effort but his effort went over, meaning Derby fell to defeat.
Derby County: Ravas, Anya (Rogers 80'), Buchanan (Sephton 68'), Brown, Wassall, Hepburn-Murphy (Cashin 88'), Cresswell, Thompson, Hector-Ingram, Babos, Shonibare.
Substitutes not used: Yates
