Derby County's Under-21s bowed out of the 2024/25 Premier League Cup after a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea Under-21s in south-west London on Friday night.
The Under-21s were narrowly knocked out of the competition as they finished third in a close-fought race for qualification in Premier League Cup Group I.
An 11th minute strike from Donnell McNeilly was complemented by Ato Ampah who doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 33rd minute to see them into a two-goal lead at the break at Kingsmeadow Stadium.
Derby centre-back Adisa Osayande pulled a goal back for the Rams in the 64th minute after an improved performance in the second half, but the positive half couldn’t force a turnaround as Chelsea held onto their advantage and saw out the game to remain top of Group I.
Chelsea’s victory saw them finish Group I with 13 points after securing four wins and a draw from their six games, while Brentford B also qualified in second place with three wins and one draw.
Derby finished up just one point away from qualification - with three wins earning them nine points across the Premier League Cup campaign.
The Under-21s will return to action in the Central League when they face Salford City on Tuesday 4th February at Moor Farm Training Ground (1pm kick-off) before Jake Buxton’s side prepare for an East Midlands Derby clash with Nottingham Forest Under-21s on the road in Premier League 2 on Monday 10th February (7pm kick-off).
Team News
Derby County Under-21s: Evans (GK), Canoville (I Gordon 46), Moloney, D Robinson (C), Osayande, K Robinson, Perry, Stepien-Iwumene, Oguntolu (Ebuka Agbawodikeizu 61), Richards (Gough 46), Osong.
Substitutes Not Used: Shattell (GK), Tola.
