Derby County eased into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup after a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Peterborough United at Pride Park, although the overal scoreline flattered the hosts as David Oldfield's men created numerous opportunities, particularly in the first period.
Charlie Dove fired wide on three minutes as the Peterborough United youngsters showed no nerves inside the impressive arena that is Pride Park.
In response, Derby winger Ryan Connolly saw a low cross just elude the front two as the hosts responded well. The Rams broke through on 11 minutes as a ball into the feet of CONNOLLY, he took a touch and slipped the ball past goalkeeper Cole and into the back of the net.
Edward Adjei saw a deflected shot go wide of the target moments later with Jay Davies' corner kick cleared by Derby central defender Kallum Keane under pressure from Piergianni.
Edward Adjei missed a golden chance to level the scores on 22 minutes after racing clear, he took his time and James Severn made a smart save with his legs.
Goalscorer Connolly was booked for a miss-timed tackle on Austin by the touch-line as Posh played some patient passing football. Nathan Koranteng saw a weak left-foot shot saved by Severin as Posh continued to dominate as the game reached the half hour mark.
Derby made it 2-0 against the run of play on 31 minutes as CONNOLLY rifled home a superb left-foot shot into the bottom corner past the despairing dive of Sam Cole in the Posh goal.
England under 20 international Severn made a superb save with his legs to deny Adjei on 32 minutes after the striker wriggled free and into the penalty area and if Posh had converted their opportunities, they would be very much still alive in this tie.
They were certainly showing willing and playing the better football, but a goal before half-time would be needed if they were to have a chance. As it goes, it was the hosts who all but secured their progress into the fourth round as Garton crossed for Callum BALL at the back post to tap into an empty net.
Posh got the goal they deserved on 37 minutes as pace from Koranteng saw him get to the by-line and cut an inviting ball back to the six-yard box where ADJEI arrived on time to slot the ball past Severn.
Aaron Dillon saw a rasping drive claimed by Cole on 44 minutes as Derby tried to restore their three goal advantage. Dillon saw a powerful drive well saved by Cole on 48 minutes before Ball fired wide after a sharp turn on the edge of the area.
Dillon flashed a shot inches past the post on 58 minutes after cutting inside from the left as Derby pressed for a fourth goal. They did make it 4-1 and it was a stunning strike from Aaron COLE who sent a fierce left-foot shot past his namesake Sam and into the far corner.
Cole tipped a dangerous cross from Cole onto the crossbar on 63 minutes. Jacob Smitheringale was superbly denied by the in-form Severn and moments later Adjei was inches away from converting a Newell cross.
Callum BALL made it 5-1 with a scrappy finish from close-range after strike partner Aaron Cole miss-hit a shot across the six-yard box. Koranteng fired wide at the other end before both sides made changes.
DILLON added a sixth goal on 75 minutes, arrowing a low shot past Cole at his near post after skipping inside the full-back. Piergianni produced a superb block to deny Jeffrey Hendrick a seventh on 80 minutes as the Rams continued to dominate. Piergianni was cautioned for a foul five minutes from time for a foul.
Derby: Servern, Garton, Jones, Le Sant (sub Kelly 70min), Keane, Abalimba (sub Witham 76min), Dillon (sub Richards 79min), Hendrick, Ball, Cole, Connolly. Unused subs: Wood, Betts.
Posh: Cole, Austin, Lee, Dove (sub Bulembi 76min), Piergianni, Smitheringale (sub Cotton 78min), Ralph, Davies, Adjei, Koranteng, Newell (sub Bishop 69min). Unused subs: Breeze, Capocci.
Referee: Marc Perry
