Derby County under 23s v Liverpool under 23s

A superb goalkeeping display from Derby County under 23’s Jonathan Mitchell helped his side to a 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool.

The result prevented the young Rams from moving bottom of the Premier League 2 table.

Derby County under 23 manager Darren Wassall made five changes to the side bringing in several first team players that included: stand out performer Jonathan Mitchell, Marcus Olsson, Craig Bryson, Jamie Hanson and Abdoul Camara.

Joe Gomez also started in only his second competitive game since tearing his cruciate ligament 13 months ago.

Matty Virtue had the visitors’ first real chance of the game. He met Brooks Lennon’s cross but his headed effort was comfortably caught by Mitchell.

Abdoul Camara nearly put the hosts ahead with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area, however the side netting prevented his chance from testing Liverpool ‘keeper Kamil Grabara.

Mitchell was then forced into action again to deny right wing back Corey Whelan. Reds’ skipper Harry Wilson set up Whelan with a clever pass and lowly driven strike forced a good diving save from Mitchell.

Captain Wilson had a superb opportunity towards the end of the first half with a very nice passing move which nearly emulated in a great team goal. A well worked one-two with Virtue put the midfielder through on goal, but Mitchell again prevented the skipper from putting his side in the lead.

Brooks Lennon again forced Jonathan Mitchell into action early in the second half after forcing the keeper to tip his header over the cross bar.

Timi Max Elsnik came closest for the Rams in the second half as his shot came as a result of some well worked football from Derby. Grabara was able to prevent the Slovenian under 19 midfielder from putting his side ahead.

The result means that Liverpool remain in third place in Premier League 2 Division One having missed the opportunity to close the gap on Merseyside rivals Everton who are currently top of the table. The Toffees’ were unable to extend their gap over Michael Beale’s Liverpool side after drawing 1-1 away at Southampton.

Derby County remain second bottom in 11^th place only a point clear of bottom side Tottenham Hotspur after Spurs’ draw away at Sunderland.