Derby County’s Under-18s suffered a 2-1 defeat against Blackburn Rovers in Under-18 Premier League - North on Saturday.


The Rams took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes.Rio Canoville’s header smashed against the crossbar after an inch-perfect Demiane Agustien cross, where Justin Oguntolu was perfectly positioned to put the ball over the line.

Blackburn equalised 20 minutes later as Frank Vare’s strike powered into the roof of the net on the break.

Both sides had their chances before the interval, with Jerome Richards going closest for Derby.

Midfielder Vare scored his second of the afternoon to give the visitors the lead in the 54th minute, beating Harley Price from inside the box.

Danny Maye’s side pushed forward late on but failed to break down a compact Blackburn defence.

The Under-18s are back at Moor Farm Training Ground on Wednesday for the visit of West Ham United in the Under-18 Premier League Cup Semi-Final (12pm kick-off).

Team News

Derby County Under-18s: Price (GK), Canoville, Stokes (Smith 63), Richards (Ward 51), Osayande (C), Connell-Webster, Mintus, Tola, Oguntolu, Agustien, Hodges.

Substitutes Not Used: Rees (GK), Friars.

Words: Josh Smith, Joe Bird

Post-Match Reaction


Under-18 Lead Coach Danny Maye gave a frank assessment of his side’s performance, despite believing his side played well in the opening stages.

He said: “I thought overall we were disappointing today. We started well and looked a threat from set-pieces, but we didn’t take our chances in the key periods of the game.

“There was a lack of desire to win the game, running behind a little bit and not playing forward quick enough.”

Despite the loss, Maye revealed he remains pleased by what his team has accomplished so far in the current season.

He stated: “We’re third in the league, did well in the FA Youth Cup and we have got into two national semi-finals.

“The group have won most of their games this season, but for some reason they weren’t at it as much today.”

The Under-18s now face West Ham United in the Premier League Cup Semi-Finals on Wednesday, followed by league action against Manchester United on Saturday.

When questioned on the challenge for the squad of playing three games in a week, Maye said: “It will be challenging, but this is also a big part of their learning, as in the first team playing Championship football this can happen a lot and players might not feel 100% every game.

“It’s that desire to win the game and that will be an important learning for them, and I don’t think they can forget the game today.”