3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-18s claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win against Everton as both sides ended the game with ten men in Under-18 Premier League - North at Moor Farm Training Centre on Tuesday afternoon.
The clash with the Toffees was Danny Maye’s side’s penultimate home game of the Under-18 Premier League campaign to remain third in the league table.
Striker Justin Oguntolu gave the Rams the lead in the 16th minute as he drilled a low strike into the back of the net from the edge of the penalty area.
Marsel Tola doubled Derby’s advantage six minutes later as the midfielder pounced on a mistake in possession by the Toffees.
Price made an excellent reaction save when Justin Clarke held the ball up in the box and let fly with a left-footed effort towards the top corner, but the Rams' goalkeeper was equal to the effort.
Oguntolu forced a save from Everton's shot-stopper Seve Patrick in the 31st minute after Owen Eames played him into position in the box to try a curled effort.
The Rams were down to 10-men in the final knockings of the first half as goalscorer Tola received a second yellow card.
Osayande was found by Allen at the far post after a short corner at the start of the second half but the centre back headed just over the crossbar in the 53rd minute.
Derby came near again as a great team move, started by Price's precise goal kick in the 59th minute, nearly saw the Rams take a third goal as left wing-back George Stokes came close. Agbawodikeizu held the ball up for Eames, who took the ball and linked up with Oguntolu to find Stokes in space.
Price kept the scoreline at 2-0 in the 72nd minute with two excellent saves in quick succession as Ademide Akarakiri’s volley from close range was met by an outstretched glove, and the rebound saw a follow-up that was again denied by the goalkeeper.
Everton's pressure told though as they narrowed the scoreline in the 74th minute as a low shot from Clarke nestled into the back of the net to set up a tense finish.
Price again came up clutch as the pressure ramped up on the Rams' ten men in the 79th minute. Rocco Lambert drilled the ball towards the bottom left corner, but quick reactions from Derby's goalkeeper allowed him to parry wide.
Late drama saw a goal disallowed and Clarke shown a red card for the visitors. Everton had the ball in the back of the net after a strike in a packed penalty area ricocheted from the crossbar and onto the post before going in, but it was disallowed by the Referee and Clarke was given his marching orders.
The final whistle blew moments later to confirm the win and a trip to Carrington Training Complex comes next for the Under-18s against Manchester United on Friday 18th April (1pm kick-off).
Team News
Derby County Under-18s: Price (GK), Marriott, Stokes, Tola, Osayande (C), T Gill, I Green (Agbawodikeizu 46), Agustien, Oguntolu (Ward 72), Eames, Allen.
Substitutes Not Used: Dzialuk (GK), Doyle, Corry.
