What an achievement!

Derby County’s Under 23s retained their Premier League 2 Division 1 status in style by defeating Chelsea 2-1 at Pride Park Stadium on Friday evening.Mason Bennett broke the deadlock just before the half hour mark with a superb finish, but against the run of play, Ike Ugbo struck from close range to level matters.At this point, the game could have gone either way, but Darren Wassall’s side responded immediately as Kellan Gordon, returning from injury, struck a cross shot into the far corner.Chelsea dominated the second half, despite Trevoh Chalobah seeing red, but Derby, defensively, were immaculate as they saw the game out to ensure they will remain in the top flight of Premier League 2 football for the 2017/18 campaign.There was no getting away from it, this was a huge game for the Rams’ Under 23s.Football at this level does not often come with pressure of this magnitude, but with their fate in their own hands, Wassall’s side knew a win would be enough.A draw, however, would see that picture change – all eyes would be on Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad and their meeting with Southampton, the latter also involved in the Division 1 relegation scrap.Proceedings took a while to spice up originally. Chelsea bossed larger spells of possession without causing the Derby backline any problems and after a period of sparring, the hosts registered the first clear opportunity.It came from a set piece. Calum Macdonald, the Under 23s Player of the Year, whipped a dangerous ball into the area and on to the head of Cameron Cresswell. The wideman, unmarked, got a clean connection but Bradley Collins reacted to make the stop.At the other end, Jonathan Mitchell was called upon to keep the scores level, tipping over Cole Dasilva’s effort after a swift passing move from the visitors.Ugbo forced another corner and Mason Mount sent a dipping volley just over in a stronger spell the visitors, but Derby weathered the storm and began to stamp their own mark as the contest opened up.The opening goal came soon after.Alex Babos had looped a header over the crossbar earlier, but Bennett, the captain, struck just moments later, finishing superbly from the edge of the area after being picked out by Cresswell’s pass.With their tails up, the Rams sought to add to their lead soon after. Emil Riis Jakobsen was denied by Collins after pulling the trigger early on a fierce drive, whilst Bennett saw a teasing cross just evade two Derby players inside the six-yards box.The hosts were well on top, so it was harsh when Chelsea got back on level terms nine minutes from half time, as Ugbo latched on to Kyle Scott’s clever pass and beat Mitchell, despite the ‘keeper’s best efforts.Wassall’s men responded instantly, though, edging back in front just three minutes later as Gordon, tremendous in the middle of the park, struck a left foot shot into the far corner of Collins’ goal via the help of a deflection.It was a case of so far so good for the Rams at the interval and 45 minutes separated them for a remarkable achievement.With Southampton winning 2-0 at the time too, there was no room for leeway and the match at Pride Park took another twist early doors.Bennett was involved again – this time as he showed great pace and invention to knock the ball beyond Chalobah, burst beyond the defender, before being hauled down on the edge of the box.The centre back was given his marching orders and Chelsea were a man down, but that did not stop them from dominating almost the entire second half.Scott was hugely influential for the visitors in midfield, but the Rams were relentless in their defending and never gave anything away.The fact that Chelsea failed to seriously threaten Mitchell’s goal told the picture of this second half as Derby saw the game out comfortably to claim the points they needed to secure their Premier League 2 Division 1 status.Although it didn’t matter, news also filtered through that Manchester City produced a fine comeback to defeat Southampton 4-2 – a result that ensured the Saints were relegated.The reaction at the full-time whistle said it all. This is a remarkable achievement for Wassall’s side and the Derby Academy as a whole.Mitchell, Stabana, Wassall, Macdonald, Karic (Santos, 82); Bird (Bateman, 90), Babos, Gordon; Cresswell, Bennett, JakobsenRavas, Walker, CoverCollins; Sterling, Nartey (Colley, 63), T. Chalobah, C. Dasilva; Sammut (McCormick, 70), Scott; Maddox, Quintero (St Clair, 70), Mount; UgboThompson, SuljicTweets by @ dcfcofficial