U18s: Derby 2 United 3

Our young Reds went behind after just six minutes gone, with Dantel Hodges finishing well into the top corner to give County an early lead.

Dan Armer headed United level shortly after, powering home his effort following a fine cross from Jim Thwaites but the hosts restored their advantage through Justin Oguntolu.

A dominant second half earned an impressive turnaround, with Gabriele Biancheri and James Scanlon both scoring to earn another vital three points.

FIRST HALF

It took Derby just six minutes to take the lead at Moor Farm, with Godwill Kukonki first of all committing a foul over on the right.

The resulting set-piece cannoned off the crossbar and on hand was Hodges to smash the ball into the top corner.

Adam Lawrence's side were only behind for a matter of minutes, as Thwaites's delicious delivery was met with precision by Armer.

A lofted free-kick was too inviting not to be met and Armer made sure from close range, heading past Harley Price.

Midway through the first half, the Rams retook the lead, when Jacob Devaney's tackle led to a loose ball that was seized upon by the hosts.

That allowed Oguntolu the chance to race through one-on-one, and he made no mistake by slotting the ball past Will Murdock to make it 2-1.

SECOND HALF

The second period started a relatively slow pace but following Amir Ibragimov's introduction, United had more urgency and were rewarded with a penalty.

Ibragimov was hauled down inside the area by Rams defender Adisa Osayande. Thwaites was tasked with converting from 12 yards, but the midfielder was denied by a fine stop from by Price. The 16-year-old dived well to his left to deny the Reds a leveller.

Despite the setback, United showed resilience to continue pushing and a sweeping move brought us level only two minutes later.

Scanlon drove forward before laying the ball into Ibragimov, who in turned teed-up Tyler Fletcher. The latter crossed to find the head of Biancheri, who finished with aplomb to bring the score to 2-2.

But the action was not done there, as Lawrence's side won another penalty, Biancheri clattered into by Marcel Tola. This time Scanlon was on hand to convert, as he stepped up and scored from the spot.

Rio Canoville had a late effort for Derby, but he fired his effort over the bar, as United hung on with good defending inside the box for a vital victory in the U18 Premier League.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Murdock; Kamason, Munro, Armer, Kukonki; T. Fletcher, Devaney (Musa 62); Mantato (Ibragimov 62), Thwaites, Scanlon; Biancheri.

Subs not used: Byrne-Hughes, Lusale, Plunkett. 

Goals: Armer 9, Biancheri 67, Scanlon 73 pen | Hodges 6, Oguntolu 28.