Town’s U18s lost 2-1 at Derby County on Saturday morning, Luke Hyam netting the Blues’ goal.

In very blustery conditions Town had the advantage of the wind behind them and had the best of the initial exchanges. They opened the scoring with a low shot from Griffiths that struck the side stanchion of the goal and bounced out. Before there could be a 'Warnock incident' the ball was bundled back over the line by Hyam.

The goal sparked a purple patch from Town, and Bennett, Carson and the impressive Griffiths forced saves during the following 10 minutes.

Town ended the half deservedly 1-0 up, with keeper Ian McLoughlin largely a spectator with little to trouble him.

Derby started the second half much more strongly, again with the wind playing a part and equalised on 52 with a clinical finish after a through ball left the Town defence flatfooted.

The rest of the half was quite even with chances for both sides and seemed to be heading for a draw until the 88th minute when another well taken finish from Derby earned the Rams all three points.

The finishing was the difference between the two sides with the Rams’ keeper having been the busier but two good strikes left McLoughlin with no chance. Town’s U16s beat the same opposition 2-1.

U18s: McLoughlin, Bennett, Dunbar, Hyam, Meekings, Eastman, Carson, Cawley, Murray, Clark, Griffiths.

Thanks to Mick Diver for the report.

Photo: Action Images

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