by Gareth Holmes, Mickleover FC First Team Manager
Venue: Don Amott Arena
Date: 22nd October 2025
Derby County B (Mickleover Academy) delivered a composed and professional performance to secure a 3–1 victory over Birmingham City at the Don Amott Arena. From the outset, Derby impressed with their work ethic off the ball, pressing intelligently and defending as a cohesive unit.
Their discipline limited Birmingham to sporadic counter-attacks, while Derby gradually took control of the game. On the ball, Malpass and Rahman were constant threats, driving forward with purpose and creativity. Derby also looked dangerous from set pieces, with two headers narrowly missing the target following excellent deliveries into the box.
The breakthrough came just before half-time after some slick play down the left flank. Rahman whipped in a precise cross to the far post, where Malpass rose to head home and give Derby a deserved lead.
At the interval, the message was clear: maintain the intensity off the ball and increase the tempo in the build-up. Derby responded well, moving the ball more fluidly through the thirds and asserting further control.
Their second goal came from a corner, with Bainbridge reacting quickest to a loose ball and finishing clinically from close range. Birmingham continued to pose a threat on the break, but Derby’s defensive shape held firm.
The game was effectively sealed in the 75th minute when Malpass broke free and coolly lobbed the goalkeeper to make it 3–0. Birmingham managed a consolation goal with the final kick of the game, but it did little to dampen what was another encouraging display from the young Derby County B side.
Anyone wanting to join the Derby County Community Trust programme at Mickleover or make enquiries, can contact on community@dcct.co.uk