3/1 To Win
Dajaune Brown’s late goal was enough for Derby County's Under-18s to secure a fourth home league win in a row, beating Everton 1-0 at Moor Farm Training Ground, on Saturday afternoon.
The win takes Adam Robinson’s side up to fourth in the Under-18 Premier League - North table and just a point off Liverpool in third place, while it was also only the Rams’ second clean sheet of the season in a brilliant defensive display.
It was difficult for either side to get a foothold in the game early on, with the strong prevailing wind having a significant effect on play, with both teams forced to ditch the direct passes in favour of a slower, more considered approach.
Carlos Richards and Ola Ibrahim had hopeful long-range efforts deflected wide before Brown had his close-range effort blocked on the line after skipper Rhys Brailsford diverted cross fell into the forward’s feet.
Adam Robinson’s side deployed a high press to try and force a mistake out of Everton, with retaining possession of the ball for long periods being a difficult task.
The visitors were in the game and had two shots bounce off the left post before the Under-18s hit the woodwork themselves. The visitors failed to clear their lines from a Darren Robinson corner-kick, and the eventual shot smashed off the crossbar.
The young Rams had a flurry of corners before the break, but could not produce a goal, as a tightly contested first half ended.
They also started the second period brightly, with Robinson having two chances to score with his head, the first of which he was unable to direct goal-wards from an Ibrahim free-kick, and the second a back-post effort which flew just wide of the left post.
The momentum in the game continued to swing back and forth, with neither side able to truly impose their authority in testing conditions, with the sideways wind becoming a real distraction for the players on the pitch.
Everton were almost gifted the lead in the game after a mistake at the back allowed Francis Okoronkwo to run through on goal with the ball. However, his low shot was saved by the feet of Harry Evans, who did well to close the space and tighten the angle for the finish.
The game looked to be heading towards a goalless draw until Brown linked up well with Ibrahim to break into the Everton box and slide the ball past the on-rushing Everton ‘keeper, Patrick Nash. The forward showed great skill and power to evade the nearby defenders and create his own space to shoot.
That bit of individual brilliance was all that separated the sides in the end, with Derby’s compact, low block holding firm as Everton pushed for a late equaliser but were ultimately unsuccessful as the Under-18s held on for their fourth home league win on the bounce.
Derby County Under-18s: Evans (GK), Brailsford (C), Kelly, Robinson, Christie, Robinson, Richards, Fapetu, Brown, Sebagabo, Ibrahim.
Substitutes: Rutt, Roberts (GK), Nicholas-Davies, Dixon, Hawkins.
