Derby County U18
Derby County's Under-18s progressed into the Second Round of the FA Youth Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over Basford United on Monday night.
The young Rams were given a scare but first-half goals from Nelson Aideyan and Adebayo Fapetu were enough to ensure it was Jake Buxton's side who went through.
Unphased by the torrential rain and unfamiliar surroundings, the Rams nearly went ahead in the opening 10 minutes.
Johnson Osong released Billy Gough down the left with a lovely ball and the latter’s dangerous cross was nearly bundled home but for a last-ditch clearance from a Basford defender.
Buxton’s side did go in front just five minutes later though through Aideyan. The defender rose highest to head home brilliantly from a corner and give the young Rams a well deserved lead.
Osong was proving to be a menace down the left and nearly provided a second when his low cross found Samuel Sebagabo but the latter could only fire wide from inside the area.
The second goal was always going to be crucial and Derby managed to find it before the break with Fapetu firing home from inside the area following a well picked out pass from the left.
Zion Dixon was introduced at the break and nearly marked his arrival with a superb individual effort. He weaved in and out, beating several players, before bending an effort that was superbly kept out by the Basford goalkeeper.
The home side pulled one back with their first attempt on goal just before the hour mark. A contentious corner wasn’t defended and Ewan Baines bundled home to half the deficit.
A nervy second-half ensued with a barrage of pressure coming from the home side but Derby stood tall and were able to get over the line to book their place in the Second Round of the competition.
Derby will be on the road again in the Second Round and will head to either Sheffield Wednesday or Burton Albion.
Derby County Under-18s: Evans (GK), Moore, Gough, Hawkins, Robinson (C), Aideyan (87' Gordon), Nicholas-Davies, Fapetu, Wheeldon, Sebagabo (45’ Dixon), Osong.
Substitutes Not Used: Shattell (GK), Ashia, Simons, Gill, Osayande.
