Wolves Under-18s manager Darren Ryan was pleased after his side’s 5-5 draw against Derby County despite letting a two-goal lead slip.
Heading into the game, Derby were third in the Premier League U18 North table, just two points behind league-leaders Manchester United – the only team the Rams have lost to so far in this league season.
Wolves did lead 4-2 and 5-3 in the game having recovered from being 2-0 down inside the first ten minutes of the game at Derby’s Moor Farm Football Academy.
In fact, before hosting Wolves, Rory Delap’s Derby had conceded only eight goals in their first eight league games.
Ryan said: “This result does show that we can compete with the best teams in the league. They had some good individual players but it was pleasing to see us battle the way we did.
“Of course, we are disappointed to draw the game like this. We were fully in control of the game at 4-2.”
Ryan however refused to be downhearted, and instead discussed the manner of Wolves’ goals and how throughout the game, even at 2-0 down, his side played fluent, attacking football.
Brad Carr’s equaliser after a defence-splitting Daniel Csoka pass and Taylor Perry’s long-distance strike from Dan McKenna’s low corner were particularly eye-catching.
Ryan said: “We always find positives from every game. We wanted to try and play through the thirds and switch play.
"We have some very good players in this team; it was very good to see how we built out from the back.”
Wolves have plenty of positives to draw on ahead of their next fixture against Stoke City at Compton Park. The Potters sit one place below Wolves in ninth.
