U18s: United v Derby County

Ethan Williams's second-half finish was enough to ensure passage into the fourth round for Adam Lawrence's side after a competitive tie at the Theatre of Dreams.

Both teams had chances in both halves, with Derby goalkeeper Jack Thompson denying United on several occasions, while Rams winger Lennon Wheeldon struck the crossbar in the second half.

But Williams got the all-important goal in the second half to edge the victory for the young Reds.

Dajaune Brown and Wheeldon both fired wide for the visitors in the early stages, before United applied pressure.

Ethan Wheatley curled an effort into the bottom corner soon after, but it was ruled out for offside.

The young Reds pressed again, with James Scanlon being denied twice in quick succession by Derby goalkeeper Thompson.

Victor Musa also had a shot saved by the Rams stopper during the first half, and Jack Fletcher went close too, while Derby forward Brown was denied by great reflexes from United stopper Elyh Harrison.

The sides went in at half-time level at 0-0.

United went close at the start of the second half when Wheatley played the ball across the face of goal, but Musa was edged out before he could get a touch.

Wheeldon then cut inside for Derby and fired a right-footed shot that struck the crossbar and went behind.

Substitute Williams broke the deadlock after 75 minutes, reacting in the box to slot home after Wheatley's shot ricocheted back off Thompson.

The winger flashed an effort wide of goal in the dying moments too, but his finish ultimately proved to be enough to book United's place in the fourth round.

The young Reds will meet Swindon Town Under-18s in the next stage of the competition, with that tie to be played in January.

MATCH DETAILS

United XI: Harrison; Nolan, Jackson, Kingdon, Amass; McAllister (c) (Williams 69), Fletcher, Fitzgerald; Musa (Missin 61), Wheatley, Scanlon.

Subs not used: Myles, Ogunneye, Munro, Devaney, Sharpe.

Goal: Williams 75.

Booking: McAllister 65.

Derby County XI: Thompson; Perry (Osayende 79), Banks, Hawkins, Gill; Wheeldon, Robinson (c), Earnes (Gough 79); Allen (Osong 46), Brown, McAndrew.

Subs not used: Price, Tola, Agustien, Oguntolu.