3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-23s got back to winning ways at the County Ground in Leyland as they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0.
Cameron Cresswell netted in the first half, converting at the back post to extend his impressive scoring form this season.
Derby had chances to extend their lead with notably Liam Thompson and Josh Shonibare denied by the Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper, and they had to wait until the final five minutes to secure the victory.
Defender Will Grewal-Pollard headed into the bottom corner on a successful evening for Pat Lyons’ side as they halted a run of two games without victory.
The Rams would have the better of both possession and chances in the opening 45 minutes and deservedly lead at the break.
Cresswell almost notched his name onto the scoresheet on 14th minute as he met a low cross from Josh Shonibare but his deft touch goalwards went off target.
Soon after, Tyree Wilson was denied from close range by Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Antonis Stergiakis following a loose ball in the penalty box as the Rams started to take control of proceedings.
Their good work was repaid on 36 minutes as Cresswell fired Derby into the lead. He met Liam Thompson’s corner at the back post and his fierce effort beat the goalkeeper to put the Rams ahead.
And they maybe should have added more before the break as they went close on a number of occasions. Straight after his goal, Cresswell found himself free in the box but headed wide from six yards, whilst Thompson almost doubled the lead on 43 minutes.
As Derby won possession high, the midfielder picked up the loose ball, switched feet, leaving a Blackburn defender on his backside, but could not find a way past Stergiakis in the Blackburn goal.
The goalkeeper would again deny the Rams a minute later as Shonibare won shot from the edge of the box but he saved well with his feet.
Derby kept up their tempo and high-pressing game after the break as they continued to take the game to their hosts.
Shonibare almost got lucky with a cross which almost deceived everyone and went into the back of the net before he had to be substituted as he picked up a knock.
Derby combated Blackburn’s threats well but still found that second goal hard to come by as Tyree Wilson’s strike from inside the box 20 minutes from time rose over the bar.
The hosts started to up their own intensity but the Rams stood firm and put their bodies on the line to keep the clean sheet.
And they were rewarded with five minutes of the game remaining with their second goal of the evening. A corner into the box found the head of defender Grewal-Pollard who found the bottom corner to put the game beyond doubt and secure the three points.
Blackburn Rovers Under-23s: Stergiakis, Pike, Annesley, Saadi, Cirino, Nock (Garrett 59), Harlock, Nolan (Baker 76), Whitehall (Durrant 86), Burns, McBride.
Substitutes Not Used: Eastham, Gilsenan.
Derby County Under-23s: Sykes-Kenworthy, Bardell, Williams, Bateman, Thompson, Grewal-Pollard, Shonibare (Ibrahim 57), Clarke, Cresswell, Aghatise (Plange 72), Wilson.
Substitutes Not Used: Foster, Solomon.
