Derby County young gun stars as Rams blitz past Sunderland
Cruz Allen caught the eye as Derby County marched into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup with a thumping 4-1 win over Sunderland.
Danny Maye's side proved too strong for the visitors with goals from Adisa Osayande, Johnson Osong, Owen Eames and Allen sealing the victory. It took just three minutes for Derby to break the deadlock as Osayande’s point-blank header was saved, but the defender turned in the rebound.
Trey Ogunsuyi then levelled for Sunderland but Allen fired Derby back in front in the 74th minute after a cutback from Osong. The pair then combined again in the 90th minute with Allen this time squaring for Osong to finish. Eames then wrapped up the game with a fourth after Justin Oguntolu picked him out.
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Under-18s lead coach Maye said: “It was a typical FA Youth Cup game, especially in the early stages. We looked a bit nervous in the first half.
“The second half was much better, the players seemed to sort [the issues] out themselves, and we had a lot more control.
Speaking about Wales youth international Allen, Maye added: “I thought he did really well. Cruz looked like one of the more composed players on the pitch and he wasn’t scared to take a risk. He is one of those players who can make a difference and fortunately, at 1-1, he stepped up.”
Derby will now play Sheffield United in the next round of the competition. That tie is due to take place in the New Year.
