Derby Victory Sends City's Under-23s Top In PL2
City’s line-up included five changes from the 4-1 win over Blackburn, with Danny Simpson, Fousseni Diabaté, Josh Knight, Darnell Johnson and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all coming in.
In pouring rain in Derbyshire, the Foxes got off to a flying start as Layton Ndukwu’s corner was cut back across goal by Knight, right into Uche Rubio’s path, who duly converted inside three minutes.
While expected to score from so close, the Spaniard showed admirable composure with several Rams defenders around him – and he had the poise to pounce for his second goal of the season.
Following a prolonged break in play as Callum Elder, later substituted at half-time, was treated for an injury, Leicester doubled their lead in the 27th minute.
Ndukwu’s free-kick, from 30 yards out, eventually landed to Dewsbury-Hall, who volleyed it into Derby goalkeeper Josh Barnes’ net, via a deflection off Joe Bateman’s back.
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Half chances came and went for the visitors at Pride Park before the interval, but ‘keeper Viktor Johansson was largely untroubled at the other end, meaning they went into the break ahead.
Just over 10 minutes into the second period, the ball was threaded through tidily for Diabaté on the right flank, but the Malian’s effort flew over Barnes’ crossbar.
Calvin Ughelumba, a half-time substitute for the Foxes, was showing his own attacking talents from left back, hurrying forward up the wing at every given opportunity.
The 18-year-old defender, a recent graduate from the Club’s Under-18s squad, forced Barnes into a smart stop with 20 minutes to go, trying his luck from just outside Derby’s penalty area.
Cameron Cresswell, meanwhile, was a danger for Derby in front of goal and Knight had to be at his very best to deflect his powerful drive behind for a corner.
Despite having to endure some late pressure, it was City who threatened most in added time, as substitute Ryan Loft dragged it wide before Ndukwu was denied from close range by Barnes.
Major moment
As the Rams started to pose more problems for City defensively in the latter moments, they will have been relieved to have a second goal to act as a cushion on the scoreline if needed.
While Derby were unable to dent Leicester’s advantage, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s strike was a reassurance which enabled them to express themselves at Pride Park.
Who impressed?
Hamza Choudhury’s presence continues to be a source of composure for his colleagues in this talented Under-23s side and Monday night’s outing at Derby was no difference.
The 20-year-old central midfielder, sitting alongside Lamine Kaba Sherif and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, was comfortable in possession and a potent threat when required.
Where does it leave us?
At the end of matchday four in PL2, the Foxes climb to top spot with nine points from a possible 12, following victories over Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers and now Derby.
Coming up…
City will pause their PL2 campaign for a Checkatrade Trophy trip to Highbury Stadium to face Fleetwood Town in the group stage on Tuesday 11 September (7:45pm BST kick-off).
The details…
City: Johansson, Simpson (Shade 75), Elder (Ughelumba 45), Choudhury (c), Knight, Johnson, Kaba Sherif, Dewsbury-Hall, Uche Rubio (Loft 58), Ndukwu, Diabaté
Subs not used: Davies, Leshabela
Goals: Uche Rubio 3, Dewsbury-Hall 27
Images: Derby County Football Club