Mark Atkinson heralded his players’ commitment to the cause following victory over Swansea City on Saturday.
Sunderland under-18s have been frustrated in recent weeks, conceding a number of late goals which has resulted in them losing two of their three opening games in the Premier League merits.
Defeats to Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers came as bitter blows after pleasing displays before the Black Cats looked to be heading for all three against Leicester City only for an injury-time leveller scuppered their chances.
Steeling grit and determination shone through on Saturday, though, ensuring the Lads clinched a deserved victory, courtesy of two goals from trialist players.
Speaking post-match, the under-18s shared his delight.
“It was very nice to get three points because the Lads have worked hard over the last few weeks,” he said.
“They deserve a massive well done - they have continued to work hard even though results haven’t quite gone their way.
“The point at Leicester was hard to take but they have built on that with victory over Swansea.
“We changed things slightly against Swansea because we didn’t see as much of the ball as we had done previously, but we took our chances and that was great to see.
“Anthony Patterson made some important saves as well so to get a clean sheet was just as pleasing.”
