Derby County’s Under-18s beat Leeds United 4-2 in the Under-18 Premier League - North at Moor Farm Training Ground on Saturday.


Jaydan Davidson scored a brace for the young Rams, while Carlos Richards and substitute Lennon Wheeldon were also on the scoresheet for Jake Buxton’s side.

Marley Wilson netted twice for the visitors, who have now lost five consecutive league games.

The result sees Derby make it six unbeaten and climb off the bottom of the table, leapfrogging Leeds into 11th place.

After a quiet start to proceedings, young Rams midfielder Harry Hawkins had the game’s first chance in the 27th minute. However, his effort from the edge of the box was blocked before it could trouble Darryl Ombang in the Leeds goal.

Richards put Derby ahead five minutes later when he broke free of the Whites’ defence before beating Ombang from inside the area.

Wilson equalised for Leeds close to half-time with a clinical finish past Josh Shattell, but Davidson’s stunning strike from distance moments later restored Derby’s lead.

Davidson got his second and the Rams’ third in first-half stoppage time when he powerfully turned home Richards’ cross from close range.

The visitors almost pulled one back in the 66th minute when Coban Bird’s cross-cum-shot skimmed the top of the crossbar.

Wheeldon extended Derby’s advantage five minutes later as he volleyed home after Richards had crossed.

Wilson scored late on for Leeds, but the Rams held on for their first victory since 7 January after four consecutive draws.

Derby are back in Under-18 Premier League – North action on Saturday 25 February when they travel to Manchester United (12pm kick-off).

Derby County Under-18s: Shattell (GK), Moore, Cox, Robinson (C), Perry, Hawkins, Ashia, Moloney (Gough 52), Richards (Simons 81), Brown (Wheeldon 58), Davidson.

Substitutes Not Used: Price (GK).

Words: Dale Winfield