3/1 To Win
Derby County’s Under-18s earned a hard-fought point at the Sir Jack Hayward training ground in a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Derby were awarded a penalty in the 77th-minute when Festy Ebosele was brought down in the box. Ebosele breezed past the Wolves goalkeeper, Joe Young, before the back of his calf was taken out by Young. The Irish international won his side a penalty which he then converted calmly to get his side level after going behind early in the first half.
The young Rams conceded inside the first ten minutes of the match when Liam Thompson lost his footing in a dangerous area and Conor Carty took full advantage of the midfielder's misfortune.
Despite going behind, Derby kept their composure and continued to press for an equaliser. The Ram’s best chances came down the right-wing as Ebosele used his pace to get crosses into the box but they went into the break 1-0 down.
Justin Walker’s side were then reduced to 10 men as Eiran Cashin was sent off for a reckless challenge on the half-way line just before the hour mark.
Liam Thompson’s afternoon was cut short at half-time due to an injury to his left leg which has bothered him for the past few weeks.
Derby remained patient as their search for an equaliser went on in the second-half. The Rams showed no signs of playing with a man down and pushed on for a late winner after they got the equaliser. Substitute, Osazee Aghatise, had the best chance to snatch all three points in the 89th-minute when his shot from range sailed over the bar.
This was the first draw of the season for the U18s as they have nine wins and seven losses. With this share of the spoils, Walker and his side moved up to fourth place in the Under 18 Premier League North.
The young Rams now look to next Saturday’s fixture against the second-bottom in the league, Blackburn Rovers. Rovers have lost nine matches this season conceding 35 goals.
Three home fixtures up next for the Rams...
Blackburn Rovers (H) – Saturday 14th March (kick-off: 12:30pm)
Sunderland (H) - Saturday 21st March (kick-off: 1pm)
Manchester City (H) - Saturday 18th April (kick-off: 12:30pm)
Words by Brad Cox
