Derby County’s Under-18s will be hoping to return to winning ways on Friday, when they face a trip to Norwich City in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup, kick-off 7pm.
Justin Walker’s and Rory Delap’s side reached this stage of the competition after defeating Manchester United 3-1 on penalties, following a 2-2 draw after extra time.
The Rams suffered their first defeat for almost four months on Saturday, after losing 2-1 at home to Everton at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby.
Derby went behind in the first half, after Anthony Gordon went on the counter attack, rounded goalkeeper Joe Fryatt and placed his shot into an empty net.
The visitors doubled their lead two minutes later with striker Manasse Mampala cutting in from the left side and drilling his effort goal bound.
Derby replied shortly after the restart; substitute Henry Wise volleyed in Jason Knight’s long pass at the back post to put his side back into the match.
Rams captain Max Bird came close to levelling the match with just 10 minutes remaining, but his curling free-kick was denied by a good save from Toffees goalkeeper Matthew Johnson.
Walker’s and Delap’s side are currently fifth in the Premier League – North table, whilst their cup opponents Norwich sit in tenth position in the Premier League – South standings.
Norwich have struggled in the league this season, having only won two of their 11 matches in the division.
A win for either side will book them a place in the last 16 stage of the competition, Derby have not reached this feat since the 2013/14 campaign.
Kick-off on Friday is at 7:00pm and the match is being held at Carrow Road.
Words by Jonty Colman
