The Rams are here to contend, and they have no plans of easing up anytime soon…
The Derby County Under-18s continued
their stellar form in the 2024/25 Premier
League – North campaign with a
commanding 4-1 victory over Liverpool.
Traveling to face one of the league’s most
respected academies, the young Rams
delivered a clinical and confident
performance, solidifying their reputation
as one of the top teams in the division.
This result not only highlighted the
team’s attacking prowess but also
showcased their discipline, teamwork,
and ability to rise to the occasion against
strong opposition. Here’s how the match
unfolded.
First-Half Brilliance Sets the Tone
Derby County wasted no time asserting
their dominance, starting the match on
the front foot. Their high press and quick
passing created early pressure on
Liverpool, forcing mistakes in dangerous
areas. The breakthrough came in the
12th minute when forward Jack Turner
capitalized on a defensive error, slotting
the ball past the Liverpool goalkeeper
with precision to make it 1-0.
The Rams doubled their lead just 10
minutes later. A beautifully worked team
move saw winger Ethan Clarke deliver a
pinpoint cross into the box, where
captain and midfielder Lewis Harper
timed his run perfectly to head home. At
2-0, Derby were firmly in control,
dictating the tempo and silencing the
home crowd.
Liverpool struggled to find a response in
the first half, with Derby’s defense
holding firm. Center-backs Tom Richards
and Callum Ward were exceptional,
cutting out passes and neutralizing
Liverpool’s attacking threats. Goalkeeper
Jamie Hurst also made a crucial save late
in the half to preserve the two-goal
cushion.
Liverpool Fights Back but Derby Stays Resilient
The second half began with Liverpool
showing more urgency, and their efforts
paid off in the 55th minute. A well-taken
free kick from the edge of the box found
the back of the net, narrowing the score
to 2-1 and giving the home side hope.
However, Derby’s response was
immediate and emphatic. Just five
minutes later, the Rams restored their
two-goal advantage. A swift
counterattack saw Harper play a
perfectly weighted through ball to
Turner, who rounded the keeper and
finished with composure for his second
goal of the match.
At 3-1, Derby regained control and
showed maturity beyond their years,
maintaining possession and frustrating
Liverpool. The midfield trio of Harper,
Jacob Ryan, and Mason White was
instrumental in breaking up play and
launching counterattacks.
Sealing the Victory in Style
As the game entered its final stages,
Derby continued to push for more,
refusing to sit back on their lead. Their
persistence paid off in the 80th minute
when substitute Charlie Bennett, fresh
off the bench, scored a stunning goal.
Cutting inside from the left wing, Bennett
curled a shot into the top corner, leaving
the Liverpool goalkeeper with no
chance.
The fourth goal effectively ended the
contest, and Derby’s defense ensured
there would be no late drama. The final
whistle signaled a 4-1 victory, a result
that reflected the Rams’ dominance in
every aspect of the game.
Key Performances
– **Jack Turner:** The forward was
clinical in front of goal, netting two well-
taken strikes and causing constant
problems for Liverpool’s defense.
– **Lewis Harper:** The captain led by
example with a goal and an assist,
controlling the midfield and driving his
team forward.
Tom Richards and Callum Ward:
The center-back pairing was rock solid,
keeping Liverpool’s attack at bay and
ensuring the Rams stayed organized
throughout.
– **Charlie Bennett:** The substitute
made an instant impact, scoring a
spectacular goal to cap off the win.
What This Means for Derby County Under-18s
This victory keeps Derby County Under-
18s firmly in contention at the top of the
Premier League – North table. The team
has been in scintillating form this season,
with their blend of attacking flair and
defensive solidity making them a
nightmare for opponents.
Head coach Mark Jenkins praised his
side’s performance, saying, “The boys
showed incredible character and
composure today. To come to a place like
Liverpool and win so convincingly is a
testament to their hard work and belief
in each other.”
Looking Ahead
The Rams will look to build on this
momentum as they prepare for their
next fixture against rivals Manchester
United. With confidence running high
and key players hitting top form, Derby
County Under-18s are poised to make a
serious push for the league title this
season.
This 4-1 win at Liverpool not only
underscores their quality but also sends
a clear message to the rest of the league:
the Rams are here to compete, and
they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
