Derby County Under-18s beat Manchester City Under-18s 2-0 at Moor Farm Training Ground on Saturday.


Lennon Wheeldon’s first-half penalty put the young Rams ahead in the first half before Callum Moore doubled their advantage after the restart.

The Citizens were crowned champions of the Under-18 Premier League – North last weekend after beating second-placed Sunderland 4-2, making it twelve consecutive league wins.

But Jake Buxton’s Derby side continued their fine form as they made it four games unbeaten and built on their impressive 6-2 away win at Leeds United.

City controlled the possession in the opening 45 minutes, but the Rams’ resolute defence denied them any clear-cut chances.

Jacob Wright had their first opportunity in the 7th minute after being found by Michael Okeke. However, his effort from outside the box was comfortable for Jack Thompson.

Just after the half-hour mark, the Rams were presented with a golden chance to take the lead.

Cruz Allen’s shot was well saved by True Grant before Wheeldon was fouled by Jahmai Simpson-Pusey inside the box.

Wheeldon confidently converted the spot-kick as he sent Grant the wrong way.

Rams midfielder Niall McAndrew was replaced due to injury, seeing Owen Eames introduced for the second half.

Eames was straight into the action as he won possession in the 47th minute before being denied by Grant from a difficult angle.

Moore extended Derby’s lead 10 minutes later when he worked his way into the area and fired the ball past Grant.

The visitors turned to their bench as they looked for a way back into the game.

Substitute Farid Alfa-Ruprecht saw his close-range effort comfortably saved by Thompson with 22 minutes remaining.

Thompson kept his clean sheet intact as the Rams claimed all three points.

Derby will face Middlesbrough in their season finale at Pride Park Stadium on Friday 5th May (6pm kick-off).

Derby County Under-18s: Thompson (GK), Moore (Aideyan 81), Cox, Fapetu, Gill, Hawkins, McAndrew (Eames 46), D Robinson (C), Ashia, Allen (Oguntolu 85), Wheeldon (Simons 90).

Substitutes Not Used: Shattell (GK).

Words: Dale Winfield.