City U18s fall to defeat at Derby

City dominated possession in the first half but were unable to create any clear-cut chances, as we fell behind to a penalty, which was scored by Derby’s Lennon Wheeldon.

The Rams were able to extend their lead early in the second half as their right-back Callum Moore burst into the box before firing past True Grant.

Despite a disappointing end to a superb season, attention for our Academy outfit will now turn to the Under-18s Premier League National Final on Wednesday 10 May against West Ham United.

WHAT HAPPENED

Ben Wilkinson’s young side entered the match looking to keep momentum after 12 straight wins and securing the Under-18s Premier League North last weekend.

Despite Wilkinson shuffling his pack, City started brightly as Jacob Wright forced a save from Jack Thompson from far out.

City controlled large spells of possession without hurting the Derby backline, as the hosts looked to threaten on the break.

The Rams had a shot from 18 yards out which was parried by Grant,  Wheeldon and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey raced onto the loose ball, but the City defender could only foul the Derby striker and conceded a penalty.

Wheeldon stepped by and waited for Grant to dive to his right before placing it into the net to put the hosts ahead.

Derby grew in confidence knowing a victory for them would boost them to seventh in the league.

The pattern of play did not change in the second half as the Rams’ Owen Eames drove into the box from the left after battling with City defenders, and his shot from a tight angle was saved low by Grant.

But the hosts capitalised on their pressure, as Moore drove into the box and held off Seb Naylor before firing into the bottom far corner to give the hosts a commanding lead, and gave City a hill to climb.

City’s youngsters ranked up the pressure as Wright fired a shot towards goal, but it bounced around in the box, Michael Okeke was inches away from connecting with the ball, but Thompson ran out to gather.

Wilkinson’s triple substitution past the hour-mark made an instant impact, Farid Alfa-Ruprecht tried to beat the keeper at his near post, but was unable to put enough pace on the shot.

City kept on probing as Justin Oboavwoduo and Jaden Heskey had similar opportunities, cutting inside before firing high and wide.

Derby held firm to inflict a rare loss for Wilkinson’s side.

HOW WE LINED UP

City rotated the team from last weekend’s victory over Sunderland.

True Grant was preferred in between the posts, with a back four of Jacob Wright, Kian Noble, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Seb Naylor protecting him.

Charlie Gray sat in front of the back four, with Michael Okeke and Alfie Harrison completing the midfield three. 

Justin Oboavwoduo and Ashton Muir were on each wing, supporting Jaden Heskey in the striker role.

Derby County U18s

XI: Thompson, Moore, Gill, Robinson, Fapetu, Cox, Allen, Hawkins, Wheeldon, Ashia, McAndrew

SUBS: Aideyan, Shattell, Simons, Oguntolu, Eames

Manchester City U18s

XI: Grant, Wright, Noble, Simpson-Pusey, Naylor, Gray, Oboavwoduo, Okeke, Heskey, Harrison, Muir

SUBS: Alleyne, Murray-Jones, Galvez, Dada-Mascoll, Alfa-Ruprecht

EDS & Academy

U18 Premier League National final to be played at Etihad Stadium

WHAT’S NEXT

Our Under-18s Premier League North campaign drew to a close, but there is more silverware up for grabs this season, as City take on southern champions and FA Youth Cup winners West Ham, in the Under-18s Premier League National Final.

The clash will be played at the Etihad Stadium with kick off scheduled for 19:00 (UK) on Wednesday 10 May.

Tickets details will follow in due course.