U18s: United 4 Derby 3

The young Reds are hot on the tails of rivals Manchester City in pursuit of a second successive U18 Premier League North title.

Adam Lawrence’s side trailed by two goals at one point, but got one back before half-time through Bendito Mantato. We then put in a fine second-half performance, with James Scanlon and Shea Lacey’s goals taking United ahead, before another from Victor Musa was required when Derby had levelled themselves.

United are next in action at Everton’s Finch Farm Training Ground on Saturday 26 April (11:00 BST).

Tributes were paid pre-match to Academy alumnus Joe Thompson, who sadly died at the age of 36 on Thursday. Our thoughts remain with his wife, Chantelle, and his two…