Town's under-18 side were defeated at Derby County at the weekend in a real 'game of two halves'.

The Rams' youngsters were three goals to the good by the half-time interval having played with a howling gale behind them and with the young Terriers playing with the wind in the second-half, Graham Mitchell's side dominated possession but could not make the breakthrough that would get them back in the game.

Mitchell's side lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with goalkeeper Damian Eastham behind centre-backs Leigh Franks, skipper Spencer Harris and Liam Ridehalgh. Dave Pickering and Stephen Brook were deployed as wing-backs, with Jack Hunt, Chris Atkinson and Lewis Nightingale deployed as the central midfield trio. Up front, top scorer Dave Heagney was partnered by James Spencer.

Along with the defeat, the Academy side suffered another blow when midfielder Nightingale limped off with a hamstring problem. He is now unavailable for the next game against Sheffield United on Saturday along with young defender Stephen Powell, who received a kick on the shin.

As always, check htafc.com for all the latest Academy news!

Town's under-18s vs. Derby:

Damian Eastham; Leigh Franks, Spencer Harris (c), Liam Ridehalgh; Dave Pickering (Luke Durham 55), Stephen Brook (Aidan Chippendale 55), Jack Hunt, Chris Atkinson, Lewis Nightingale (Lewis Collinson 65); Dave Heagney, James Spencer

Unused Subs: Adam Bower, Danny Barlow