MATCH REPORT: Wrexham Reserves 0-5 Derby County U21

Derby County Under-21s secured a 5-0 win as they flew past Wrexham in The Central League on Tuesday afternoon.

Jake Buxton’s side secured their second win in as many games in The Central League so far this season when they travelled to the FAW Training Centre in Newport to face the young Red Dragons side.

Derby’s Under-21s were hoping for a chance to return to winning ways after tasting defeat in a 3-2 showing against Bournemouth in the Premier League Cup on Friday night.

Braces from winger Riley Moloney and striker Dajaune Brown were complemented by a goal from Joe Ward 20 minutes from the full-time whistle to complete a pleasing performance on the road.

Match Report

First team players Rohan Luthra, Joe Ward and Dajaune Brown all featured as they looked to get more match minutes. Meanwhile, centre-back Ryan Bartley made his first appearance for the side since returning from a month-long loan to non-league side Spennymoor Town.

An early strike from Brown set the tone, as he put the Rams ahead after only three minutes in Wales.

Moloney doubled the lead in the 18th minute and compounded Derby’s advantage 13 minutes later as he netted his first two goals of the 2024/25 campaign to ensure Buxton’s charges went into half-time with a three-goal advantage.

Brown was on the scoresheet again as he put the ball into the back of the net on the hour mark to make it four for the Rams.

Ward completed the victory in the 70th minute. The right-sider was utilised in an attacking wide role by Buxton and benefitted as he scored the Under-21s’ fifth goal of the afternoon.

Reacting to the side's convincing win in the Central League, Under-21s Lead Coach Jake Buxton said: “It was a great response to last Friday’s result and we put a lot right that was wrong against Bournemouth.

“We competed better than the opposition, we looked physically fitter and stronger than the opposition and we showed a real quality with the ball. Most importantly, we took our chances when we created an opportunity.

“It was a great workout for all three first team players dropping in for minutes, too. They showed a great attitude in their approach to the game - and that rubbed off on the Academy players.

“Overall, it was a very pleasing performance, and now we move our focus to our Premier League fixture at Liverpool on Saturday.”