3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-21s sailed to a 3-0 win over Mansfield Town in The Central League at Moor Farm Training Ground on Wednesday afternoon.
The game, which was officially classed as an away fixture in the competition but was played in Derby, saw the Rams secure their fourth win from four matches in The Central League competition. A 2-1 win against Salford City came earlier in February and was proceeded by victories on the road at Preston North End and Wrexham at the beginning of the season.
A first-half Ryan Bartley header and second half strikes from Lennon Wheeldon and Jack Parry were the difference, as the Rams continued their perfect record in The Central League.
The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute when an inch-perfect Riley Moloney corner found Bartley at the back post and he was on hand to head Derby into the lead.
Owen Eames came closest to doubling the advantage, taking aim from a free-kick on the edge of the area, but his effort was pushed past the post.
He then came close again at the start of the second half, as his long-range strike was tipped over by Owen Mason in the Mansfield goal.
Wheeldon doubled the Rams lead in the 50th minute, running in behind and poking a delicate effort into the far corner.
Derby’s third goal came just seven minutes later, when Jack Perry found himself through on goal and made no mistake firing into the far corner for three.
Jake Buxton’s side travel to Leicester City on Monday 24th February as they return to Premier League 2 action (7pm kick-off).
Team News
Derby County Under-21s: Shattell (GK), I Gordon, Gill, Robinson (C) (Tola), Bartley, Osayande (Agustien), Perry, Hawkins (Stepien-Iwumene), Wheeldon (Oguntolu), Eames, Moloney.
Substitutes Not Used: Evans (GK).
Words: Will Stanier
