Rams set to visit Proctor Cars Stadium for pre-season match

Dales football fans can take a look at the up and coming talent at Pride Park when Derby County send their under 23 side to face Matlock Town at the Proctor Cars Stadium on Tuesday 13 July (7.45 pm).

Several members of last season’s first-team squad developed via Derby’s academy and have featured in the under 23 squad.

The Rams escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth on the final day of the Championship season when a nervy 3-3 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday, combined with Cardiff City secoring a late equaliser at home to Rotherham United sent Wednesday and Rotherham down with Wycombe Wanderers and led to Derby’s survival.

Nothing has been said as to whether Wayne Rooney will make an appearance in what will certainly be a busy and crucial summer period for Rooney and everyone at |Pride Park.

It means that Matlock’s first five pre-season matches are at the Proctor Cars Stadium with the final four being away from home.

The schedule reads:

Monday 5 July v Wirksworth Ivanhoe (H) 7.45 pm

Friday 9 July v Boston United (H) 7.45 pm

Tuesday 13 July v Derby County U23 (H) 7.45 pm

Friday 16 July v Mansfield Town (H) 7.30 pm

Wednesday 21 July v Chesterfield (H) 7.30 pm

Saturday 24 July v Brighouse Town (A) 12 noon

Tuesday 27 July v Clipstone (A)—7.30 pm (Marcus Beddoe Memorial )

Saturday 31 July v Sheffield FC (A) 3 pm

Saturday 7 August v Ossett United (A) 3 pm

Ian Richardson