Derby County’s Under 23s got 2017 underway with a narrow 2-1 defeat against Arsenal at London Colney in Premier League 2 - Division 1.

Darren Wassall’s side, who were without a number of regulars due to first-team commitments and suspension, pushed the Gunners all the way but were unable to return home with something to show for their efforts.Top scorer Charles Vernam and Farrand Rawson missed out as a result of training with Steve McClaren’s first-team squad earlier in the day, while Kryon Stabana and Callum Guy were sidelined due to suspension – so trialists Sam Ford and Nathan Holland featured.Derby fell behind after six minutes when a through ball from Ismael Bennacer enabled Savvas Mourgos to charge in behind the defence and fire home.The Rams stayed in the game and were level after just seven minutes of the second half, when a scramble in the area after a corner ended with Timi-Max Elsnik providing the finishing touch.However, the Gunners hit back when substitute Eddie Nketiah and Mourgos combined, with the former slotting a cool effort past the helpless Henrich Ravas.Keto, McGuane, Bola, Bennacer, Sheaf, Olowu, Mourgos (Malen 75), Zelalem, Akpom (Nketiah 46), Mavididi, DragomirVirginia, Eyoma, DasilvaRavas, Santos, Macdonald, Elsnik, Cover, Lelan, Walker (Bennett 58), Babos, Ford (Jakobsen 58), Gordon, HollandBarnes, Bateman, EdwardsDerby’s Under 23s are back in action at Pride Park Stadium on Thursday 12th January when they face Sunderland in the International Cup (7pm).Tweets by @ dcfcofficial