Wolves under-18s fell to a disappointing 5-0 defeat at the hands of Derby County in their latest U18 Premier League North meeting at the Moor Farm Training Centre.
The scoreline could have looked even worse had it not been for the heroic services of Joe Young in the Wolves goal. The youngster made four incredible saves throughout the match to deny Derby’s Jack Stretton from recording his first hat-trick of the season, prompting the opposition manager to hail him as his man of the match.
Derby started the match well and found themselves two in front after just 30 minutes of action. Stretton and Archie Brown both converted from crosses to give the home side a healthy advantage.
Then, Young made his first unbelievable stop of the match. Bartosz Cybulski went clean through on goal but had his shot – that looked destined to nestle into the bottom corner – brilliantly saved. A diving hand from the stopper towards his far post ensured that his side stayed in the game as they reached half time.
Wolves were better on the restart and had their best opportunity of the game not long after. Substitute Dean Pinnington’s shot flew just wide of the post but certainly had the opposition’s goalkeeper worried.
Goals followed from Festy Ebosele, Stretton and Tyree Wilson to ultimately condemn Wolves to their heaviest defeat of the campaign.
That wasn’t before Young had a chance to show his ability once more. Again, it was Cybulski who was denied by the brilliant reflexes of the 17-year-old.
Stretton pulled the ball back late, leaving a seemingly easy chance for the striker, however, Young flew from post to post to produce the most impressive save of the lot – one that was acknowledged by the opposition themselves, with many Rams players giving the number one a pat of appreciation.
But the loss condemned Steve Davis’ side to their third defeat in their last four, leaving them in seventh place of the division but just four points off the top three.
COMING UP
The under-18s go back out on their travels following the international break as they head to Blackburn Rovers for a 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday 23rd November.
NEXT FIVE
23/11 Blackburn Rovers (A) PLC
30/11 Newcastle United (A)
07/12 Blackburn Rovers (H)
04/01 Stoke City (H)
01/02 Liverpool (A)
TEAMS
Derby: Foster-Theniger, Rutt (Rogers 84), Cashin, Charles, MacDonald, Ebosele, Thompson, Brown (Wilson 53), Aghatise (Matthews 72), Stretton, Cybulski.
Unused subs: Halwax, Bardell.
Wolves: Young, Scott, Tipton, Kandola, Estrada, Bueno, Abbey, Hodnett (Bugarin 69), Parker (Pinnington 76), Harkin (Forrester 57), Carty.
Unused subs: Smith, Lembikisa.
