Darren Ryan’s Wolves Under-18s suffered a 6-0 defeat to Premier League Under-18 North champions-elect, Derby County.
It was Wolves, though, who started brightest at Shrewsbury Sports Village. Theo Corbeanu was freed down the right by Callum Thompson, but his cross was not converted by Conor Carty.
Callum Minkley made Wolves rue their missed chances, as he found himself on the end of Jordan Brown’s pass to put the Rams ahead.
The lead was doubled 10 minutes later, when Archie Brown dispatched coolly into the far corner.
The second half didn’t get easier for Wolves, as Derby looked to add to their lead and secure the place at the summit of the league.
The first of four second half goals was scored from the spot by Morgan Whittaker, after Pascal Estrada was adjudged to have fouled in the penalty area.
Goals from Louie Sibley, Liam Delap and Eiran Cashin in the last 20 minutes saw Wolves sink to a disappointing defeat, against a top-class Derby side.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Conor Carty came the closest to scoring for Wolves as his powerful shot smacked the post and ricocheted clear of danger; a goal could have kickstarted a way back into the match.
QUOTES
Manager Darren Ryan explained how his side will learn from their defeat.
He said: “Generally we are looking to improve all around the pitch. We have got some new players coming in, but I think we know as an academy where we need to improve.
“Apart from today, our defence has been very good at times. We know where we need to improve, and we will address that this summer.
“We’ve got Under-17s friendlies coming up, where we will regroup and look for players to add to the squad.”
TEAMS
Wolves (3-4-3): Smith; Estrada; Taylor, Richards; Abbey (Sanagre, 74’), Perry, Parker (Hodnett, 46'), Thompson; Cundle, Carty, Corbeanu
Unused sub: Joseph
Derby County (4-3-3): French; Ebosele (Cashin, 89’), Buchanan, Bird; Minkley, Brown, Whittaker, Sibley; Splatt (Delap, 67’); Knight; Brown (Wilson, 81’)
Unused sub: Halwax, Thompson
