Borges hat-trick fires EDS to impressive victory at Derby

The pacy winger struck midway through the first half at Pride Park to fire Brian Barry-Murphy’s side into a deserved lead.

Though the Rams levelled before the break, City and Borges were not to be denied with the Portuguese winger striking again 22 minutes from time.

City had to withstand some late pressure before Borges then sealed his treble in injury time to confirm our first win in Group F and set up an enticing final group clash away at Grimsby next month.

What happened

Pitted against a strong Derby line up, packed with players boasting a wealth of Premier League and Championship experience, the challenge represented another crucial learning curve for the City youngsters.

But though Derby may have boasted greater height, physicality and know-how, City’s talent and technique saw us take the game to the hosts from the off with a hugely impressive first half display.

On 10 minutes a superb searching pass from Oscar Bobb put in Carlos Borges on the left flank and the winger bore in on goal before firing in a low drive which Rams keeper Scott Loach did well to keep out.

Another flowing City move on 18 minutes then saw Nico O’Reilly find Bobb driving into the box and his goal-bound snapshot was blocked by Derby skipper Stearman.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic though and a 20th minute David McGoldrick swivel and turn on the edge of the City box and subsequent shot forced City keeper Mikki van Sas into a smart save.

It was City though who carried the greater attacking threat, and it was no less than we deserved when Borges fired us ahead on 27 minutes.

Latching onto a wonderful long crossfield pass from Ben Knight, Borges cut in from the left before firing home into the top corner of the net for a quite brilliant goal.

City could and perhaps should have doubled our lead just three minutes later when Knight got in behind the home defence only to see his 10-yard dink strike the foot of the post.

And we were made to rue that effort when, out of nowhere, the hosts drew level on 39 minutes.

James Collins got his head to former City Academy youngster Kwaku Oduroh’s corner and though Mikki van Sas blocked the initial effort, David McGoldrick was there to force in the rebound.

A hungry and re-energised City maintained our drive and desire after the break and we were rewarded again on 58 minutes as Borges doubled his and our tally.

Bobb was the architect, feeding another inch perfect pass into the path of Borges whose pace took him past the Derby defence before he rounded the keeper and found the target.

Derby though should have drawn level from another corner on 69 minutes, sub Eiran Cashin heading over a teasing Oduroh set piece from just eight yards.

And there was huge let off on 72 minutes when City sub Lakyle Samuel slipped on the edge of the box allowing Lewis Dobbin a clear shot on goal which, fortunately, he fired wide.

City though weathered the late pressure with Borges then completing his terrific treble in the first of nine minutes of injury time, converting from close range to cap a brilliant display.

The only downside to the night was the sight of Ben Knight having to be taken off on a stretcher 10 minutes from time - otherwise it was an evening filled only with positives for Barry-Murphy’s exciting youngsters.

How we lined up

Mikki van Sas was in goal shielded by a back four of Rico Lewis, Jadel Katongo, Finley Burns and Josh Wilson-Esbrand.

Skipper Shea Charles was the holding midfielder with Nico O’Reilly and Kian Breckin also in the engine room.

Oscar Bobb, Ben Knight and Carlos Borges formed City’s attacking trident.

What it means

The win moves City up to third place in Group F on three points along with Grimsby who are in fourth with both sides having played twice.

Derby have four points from three games with first placed Mansfield on five from three.

The mathematics mean if we beat Grimsby at Blundell Park next month we will go through to the knockout stages.

What’s next

Our EDS side are back in PL2 action on Saturday when we play host to Crystal Palace Under-21s.

Kick-off for the CFA clash is at 1pm.