Graham Mitchell's under-18 side came away from a difficult trip to Derby County with a creditable point this weekend in their latest FA Premier Academy League fixture.

Town's youngsters had the better of the second-half in Derbyshire on Saturday but could not break the deadlock. However, Mitchell must be pleased with a second clean sheet in as many games.

The Terriers lined up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation as the game kicked-off, with first-year professional Simon Eastwood making a guest appearance in goal as an overage player for the Academy as he completes his recovery from a fractured foot. He was protected by a back four of, from left-right; Danny Codman, Leigh Franks, Spencer Harris and Dave Pickering. Curtis Roberts, Luke Williams and Lewis Nightingale formed the central midfield trio with skipper Danny Broadbent and Tom Jackson either side of the central James Spencer in attack.

The home side enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening 25 minutes without ever seriously testing Eastwood - the Town shot-stopper only having a few crosses and a couple of low efforts to deal with. Mitchell's side eventually worked their way into the game and created a great chance at the end of the half, Broadbent seeing his rasping drive tipped over the bar by the Derby 'keeper.

Huddersfield's youngsters then went on to dominate the second-half, creating a host of chances. Big centre-back Leigh Franks contrived to put a close range header from a corner over the bar before the in-form James Spencer rounded the opposition goalkeeper before putting the ball into the side netting. In truth, Spencer had done well to stay on his feet after a noticeable shove from a defender and had he gone down, he would have probably been awarded a penalty.

For all Town's pressure, Derby were denied all three points thanks to a fantastic save by Eastwood in the dying seconds. The England under-19 goalkeeper showed brilliant reactions to push away a point-blank effort from a home striker, sticking out a hand to deflect the ball despite his momentum forcing him in the opposite direction.

Graham Mitchell told htafc.com that he was happy with the point and the general progression that his side was showing.

"I'm obviously very happy to have kept two clean sheets in a row and to get a result at Derby County is quite an achievement," the former centre-back admitted.

"Derby are a good side and two of their players have already made an appearance for their first-team, so it was a good experience for our younger players."

When asked how Eastwood was fairing on his return from injury, Mitchell gave a glowing report.

"Simon Eastwood is very confident at the moment. To me, he is back to his best."

Town's Team:

Simon Eastwood, Dave Pickering, Danny Codman, Spencer Harris, Leigh Franks, Curtis Roberts, Lewis Nightingale, Luke Williams, Daniel Broadbent (c), James Spencer, Tom Jackson

Unused Subs: Dave Heagney, Luke Durham, Stephen Brook, Liam Ridehalgh, Lewis Collinson

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