MATCH REPORT: Derby County U21 0-2 Chesterfield Reserves

Derby County Under-21s tasted defeat as Chesterfield ran out 2-0 winners in The Central League at Moor Farm Training Ground on Wednesday afternoon.

The Under-21s were without Freddie Turley, Darren Robinson, Cruz Allen, Daniel Cox and Demiane Agustien, who were all called up to international duty over the March fixture window.

Derby came into The Central League fixture with four wins from their first five matches in the competition - including a 5-0 win over Wrexham Reserves in September and a 2-1 success over Salford City B at Moor Farm last month.

Derby had the first chance of the game when a diagonal ball from George Stokes found Sean Corry in position to shoot from close range in the 14th minute, but his shot headed over the bar as he couldn’t connect sweetly enough with the bouncing ball.

Despite controlling the majority of possession, Derby couldn’t cut through the Spirities’ defence and Chesterfield took advantage, gaining the lead through Luca Vergari in the 30th minute on the counter attack.

Striker Emmanuel Ilesanmi broke through behind the visiting backline and poked the ball towards the goal late in the half, but he was denied by Chesterfield goalkeeper Ashton Rinaldo.

Derby wing-back Stokes struck close with his effort from the edge of the box in the first knockings of the second half, but again Derby were denied by a strong piece of goalkeeping.

Again, the Rams continued to dominate proceedings but were kept at bay by a stubborn Chesterfield defence.

A free-kick from deep went into the path of striker Charles Ebuka Agbawodikeizu in the 82nd minute as Derby pushed to get back level. He flicked the ball towards goal with his heel but was denied by the Spirites’ shot-stopper.

Chesterfield doubled their lead from the spot late on with striker Vergari stepping up and making no mistake to claim his second goal of the game after Harley Price felled him inside the area to force a penalty.

The Under-21s will be back in Central League action next week when they face Huddersfield Town on Tuesday 25th March at Moor Farm Training Centre (1pm kick-off).