Elliott Dickman has asked for more of the same from his players when they entertain West Bromwich Albion on Friday.
The under-18s earned their first league win of the season last time out defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Lee Connolly netting the only goal of the contest.
Next up is a clash against the Baggies who sit two places above the Black Cats in the under-18 Premier League.
And speaking ahead of the game Dickman backed his youthful side to continue their development.
“People from the outside looking in may question what we’re doing from a coaching point of view, but we have to stick to our beliefs and stick to what will help the players develop.
“A lot goes on behind the scenes that people don’t see and I’m very lucky that I do get to see it, so if the players weren’t producing I’d stand here and say.”
He continued: “The players have given their all and from a physical point of view some of the games have been very tough – it’s literally been men against boys – but their day-to-day application and attitude has been very pleasing.
“We are seeing improvements with every week that passes and that’s all we can ask from the players.
“We’re on the right track and we have been for a while so we’ll be asking for more of the same this weekend.”
