An early goal from Kylan Midwood saw City ahead after the first-half before the half-time introduction of Teddie Lamb would swing the game fully in our favour.
Our prolific striker would find the net on 58 minutes before turning provider for Xavier Parker.
A penalty scored by Israel Green saw Derby claw their way back into the game, but City responded with two more goals for Midwood to complete his hat-trick.
The Rams, however, upped the tempo with hopes of making an unlikely comeback were boosted when Hodges and Corry reduced the arrears.
What happened
The young Blues welcomed tenth-placed Derby County to an unusually sunny City Football Academy on Saturday afternoon.
With City searching for all three points in order to edge closer to yet another title, early possession was dictated by the hosts in the opening 15 minutes.
And we would soon see our best chance to go ahead as Kylan Midwood, who has been in fine goalscoring form, netted in his fourth consecutive league game after a simple tap in.
But the Rams, who beat us 3-1 back in February, almost levelled with a headed attempt cleared off the line by Dante Headley.
City were pushing for a second and pinned the Rams into their own box as we approached the 30-minute mark.
Oliver Reiss’ side were controlling play with nine shots and four on target, but Derby were putting their bodies on the line to stop us from doubling our lead and we would go in just the one goal ahead at the break.
With news that Newcastle were beating Manchester United, City were quickly pushing for a second goal as we got back underway.
And we wouldn’t have to wait too long.
As we approached the hour-mark Lamb was on target to see us double our advantage and give Reiss’ side much-needed breathing room.
Moments later Xavier Parker added our third with Lamb turning provider with a backheel leaving Cristiano Dzialuk no chance.
But Derby didn’t give up with Israel Green netting from the penalty spot shortly after.
Midwood again rippled the net for our fourth of the afternoon as he helped himself to a brace following a Derby mistake at the back.
And minutes later he would complete his hat-trick after breaking forward between the Rams’ defensive line.
And as we hurtled towards the final ten minutes of play Hodges and Corry added their names to the scoresheet for the Rams in what was becoming an end-to-end affair.
But City stood strong to hold out and the result means we are named Under-18 Premier League North winners.
How we lined up
CITY XI | Hudson, Headley, Drake ©, Courtman, Wain, Miles (45’ Lamb), Midwood, Gorman, Parker, Cassim (85’ Whisker), T Samba
SUBS | Grigg, Obin, Tevenan,
DERBY XI | Dzialuk, Taylor, Stokes, Friars (61’ Thomas), Connor, Hodges, Corry ©, Harvey, Green, Griffiths (45’ Blake), Clarke (61’ Ward)
SUBS | O’Neill, Wilson
AS A RESULT
Our 5-3 victory over Deby County – coupled with second-placed Manchester United’s 2-0 loss away at Newcastle – means City are confirmed as Under-18 Premier League North winners.
UP NEXT
City welcome Stoke City to the City Football Academy on Tuesday 5 May.
Kick-off is set for 12:00 (UK) with the game available to watch live on CITY+.
