U18 Premier League North

Derby County U18 1 (Agustien 74’)

Leeds United U18 0

Derby: Hardy (GK), Marriott, Stokes, Tola, Canoville, Osayande (C), Hodges, Agustien, Ebuka Agbawodikeizu (Corry 61’), Allen (Eames 46’), Oguntolu (Green 46’). Subs not used: Rees (GK), Doyle.

Leeds: Wood (GK), Firth (Matykiewicz 87’), Philpott, Whitehead, Simo, Howard, Mensah, Pickles (C), Pirie, Mills (Trialist 72’), White. Subs not used: Woolfrey (GK), Watson, Njinko.

Venue: Moor Farm Training Ground

Referee: Samuel Wright

Leeds United Under-18s fell just short at Moor Farm, as a long-range strike from Demaine Agustien secured all three points for Derby County Under-18s.

Despite the narrow defeat, there were plenty of positives for Rob Etherington’s Leeds side to take back to Thorp Arch.

The hosts started the game looking to exploit space in behind the Whites’ defence, with Oliver Wood called into action early on to deny Agustien who had broken through on goal.

United’s first opportunity of match came in the ninth minute when Oliver Pickles played a pass through to Lewis Pirie. The forward managed to get a touch on the ball, but Derby’s goalkeeper Charlie Hardy produced a strong save to keep it out.

The visitors continued to apply pressure, with Logan White proving to be a constant threat down the left. His quick footwork caused problems for the Rams’ defence, helping Leeds sustain attacking momentum.

Derby responded and went close to taking the lead themselves when Justin Oguntolu struck the post with an effort across goal.

As the first half progressed, Leeds began to piece together some slick two-touch passing moves, cutting through Derby’s midfield. However, they struggled to find the finishing touch and the teams went into the break deadlocked.

HALF TIME: Derby County U18 0-0 Leeds United U18

The second half started quietly, with both sides enjoying a fair share of possession but unable to create any clear-cut chances in the final third.

White continued to pose problems for Derby and in the 57th minute, his driving run drew a foul on the edge of the area. Pirie stepped up to take but his effort was blocked by the wall.

The Whites’ defensive structure was another highlight, with the backline standing strong against increasing pressure from the Rams. A crucial intervention from Jacob Howard just after the hour mark prevented a tap in for Ebuka Agbawodikeizu.

As the game entered the final quarter, Derby ramped up their attacking efforts. Leeds held strong with captain Pickles making a superb last-ditch block in the 70th minute to deny a certain goal.

However, moments later, the hosts finally broke the deadlock. Agustien hit a long-range strike into the top corner, putting the home side in front.

Leeds came very close to an equaliser almost immediately when Pickles capitalised on a defensive error, only to see his effort crash off the crossbar and away from danger.

Despite a late push from the visitors, Derby managed to see out the game and take all three points.

FULL TIME: Derby County U18 1-0 Leeds United U18