After a delayed start to the game, our final game of Group A in the Under-18 Premier League Cup got under way at Moor Farm.
But, despite City’s confidence from our 5-3 league win over our opponents earlier in the month, Oliver Reiss‘s side were slow to get started and in turn were punished by Derby.
A brace from Justin Oguntolu, separated by a goal from Johnson Osong meant The Rams had a three-goal lead at the break and left City with a tough task ahead.
Second half substitute Matty Warhurst nodded home at the back post on 65 minutes to reduce the gap to two and kept our chance of qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition alive.
Ryan McAidoo scored a second for City after Derby continued to look flustered with ‘keeper Harley Price giving the ball away.
Harrison Miles teed up McAidoo who fired the ball past Price to punish the Rams and keep momentum in City’s favour.
Despite our best efforts to score a late equaliser, the defeat didn’t stop City from qualifying for the knockout stage.
With a goal difference two more than close contenders Norwich, Oliver Reiss‘s Under-18s placed second in the group behind Derby.
Watch the highlights from our intense league encounter via the video above...
