U23 Report: Saints 0-1 Derby

Radhi Jaïdi's team came into the game buoyed by a thrilling opening day win away at Manchester City; two-goal striker Dan N'Lundulu the hero with a stoppage time winner a week ago.

And it was N'Lundulu who came close to giving Saints the perfect start this time around, collecting a cut-back from Kornelius Hansen before driving his shot against the post in the fifth minute.

The visitors grew into the game, though, and had a string of chances; Duane Holmes twice coming close, while Jayden Mitchell-Lawson hit Jack Bycroft's crossbar with a fiercely struck effort.

There was one final chance for the hosts before a fairly quiet first half drew to a close. Will Smallbone picked up possession on the edge of the Derby box, but bent his effort narrowly wide of the post, with Jonathan Mitchell beaten.

Saints then had Bycroft to thank at the opposite end. The 17-year-old keeper pulled off a smart reaction save from a close-range Chris Martin header moments later, leaving proceedings all square at the break.

The visitors made a change at half-time and substitute Max Hunt's first action was to play in Morgan Whittaker with a superb through ball. Saints stopper Bycroft did well to smother Whittaker's shot with the Derby forward clean through.

Ten minutes later, the Rams took the lead following a sustained period of pressure. A deep cross from Max Bird was headed back across goal by Whittaker for Mitchell-Lawson to hammer home. 

Saints looked the more positive side, and saw a legitimate Kayne Ramsay header ruled out for offside, but otherwise couldn't create too many more clear-cut opportunities, as Derby saw out the win.

The next task for Saints' youngsters arrives in seven day's time, when they host last season's Division One runners-up Liverpool at Staplewood next Monday.

Head to Head Stats

• Possession (%)
  61

  39
• Shots
  10

  12
• Shots on target
  2

  5
• Corners
  7

  4
• Passes Complete
  410

  239