3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-21s came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in their first game of 2025 on a cold Friday night at Moor Farm in Premier League 2.
A first-half goal from Niall McAndrew and a second-half finish from Emmanuel Ilesanmi secured the three points for Jake Buxton's side, despite falling behind early on.
The first chance of the game fell to the Rams as the ball dropped for Jayden Davidson and he cut back inside, but his effort was pushed past the post by Luca Gunter in the Tottenham goal.
The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute through Oyidamola Ajayi, who slotted into an empty net from a Rio Kyerematen cut-back.
Republic of Ireland youth international McAndrew levelled things up just before half-time, as the ball fell to him in the box and he set himself before firing past the goalkeeper.
The Rams turned the game on its head on the hour mark, as a free kick fell kindly to Ilesanmi, who poked Derby into the lead.
A solid defensive display for the remaining 30 minutes meant the Rams would hold on for their fourth league win of the season.
Jake Buxton’s side turn their attention to the National League Cup, where they travel to Woking on Tuesday 14th January (7pm kick-off) in their final group outing in the competition.
Team News
Derby County Under-21s: Evans (GK), Bartley (K. Robinson 57), Moloney, Osayande, Cox (C), Gill, McAndrew, D. Robinson, Ilesanmi (Richards 85), Wheeldon, Davidson (Eames 57).
Substitutes Not Used: Shattell (GK), Tola.
Words: Will Stanier
