Early McAtee strike sees EDS edge out Derby

It was a close contest at the Academy Stadium, but the three points see Brian Barry Murphy’s side return to the top of the Premier League 2 table. 

WHAT HAPPENED 

The first half produced a very tight and cagey affair, with both teams trying to win the ball high up the pitch. 

But it was City who opened the scoring, with Oscar Bobb producing some lovely footwork to give him some space down the right. After getting to the byline, he cut back and McAtee was there to finish strongly past the Derby keeper. 

The rest of the half produced very few chances, with the away side applying a lot of pressure on the City defence. 

But we continued to hold firm, with only Luke Plange’s tame header coming off the post being the only real chance the visitors created during the first period.  

The second half produced very few chances for both sides, as some excellent defending denied many clear-cut opportunities. 

McAtee was played through on the edge of the area, and the midfielder tried to dink the ball past Derby keeper Harrison Foulkes, but the stopper managed to palm it away. 

The Rams kept coming forward, trying to unlock our defensive ranks, but we held firm to claim the three points.  

HOW WE LINED UP 

Mikki Van Sas returned between the sticks, with Kwaku Oduroh, Finley Burns, captain Luke Mbete and Shea Charles providing the defensive cover. 

Romeo Lavia sat deep in a midfield two alongside Nico O’Reilly with Sam Edozie, James McAtee and Oscar Bobb playing in more attacking positions, supporting striker Tai Sodje. 

WHAT IT MEANS

The result sees the EDS return to the top of the Premier League 2 with our unbeaten record still intact. 

We are now one point above Arsenal. 

UP NEXT 

The EDS now get two weeks off, returning to action with a home game against Leicester City in Premier League 2. 

Kick-off at the Academy Stadium will be 3:00pm (UK) on Saturday 16th October.