Derby County’s Under-18s tasted last minute heartbreak in a 4-3 loss at Manchester United in Premier League - North on Saturday.
Derby took an early lead against the Red Devils as Welsh youth international midfielder Cruz Allen found the back of the net after just nine minutes.
Striker Charles Ebuka Agbawodikeizu doubled the advantage just after the half-hour mark, but Bendito Mantato pulled a goal back for the home side before the break.
James Scanlon and Shea Lacey turned the game on its head midway through the second half for United, before defender Tristan Gill made it 3-3 inside the final ten minutes.
Victor Musa went on to win the game for the home side deep into added time to inflict a cruel defeat on Danny Maye’s side.
Next up for the Under-18s is a visit to Manchester City in their penultimate fixture of the 2024/25 season on Saturday 26th April (12pm kick-off).
Derby County Under-18s: Price (GK), Osayande, Stokes (Marriott 46), Smith (K Gill 90), Canoville, T Gill, Oguntolu (Green 52), Agustien, Ebuka Agbawodikeizu (Ward 77), Eames, Allen.
Substitutes Not Used: Dzialuk (GK).
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after the game, Under-18 Lead Coach Danny Maye said: “It was disappointing to lose, but there was no lack of effort.
“After going 2-0 up we looked comfortable at times. We started to look after the ball better and created a lot of chances. Unfortunately, they were more clinical than us and that was the key lesson.
“Our pressing worked well and we defended resolutely when we needed to. It was also pleasing to get four Under-16s players on the pitch against one the best Academies in world football. All four were a credit to the Academy.
“In the end both teams had chances to win the game and they took theirs. The boys should hold their heads high for putting in such a strong display. We can be disappointed with losing, but not with our application.”
