safc.com has compiled an all you need to know guide ahead of Saturday’s mini Wear-Tees derby…
Date: Saturday 21 January 2017
Time: 11am
Location: Academy of Light
Competition: U18 Premier League
Sunderland: LLWDL
Elliott Dickman’s side return to Wearside on Saturday looking to build on the positives gained from last weekend’s trip to Manchester City.
While City upstaged the Black Cats on home soil to maintain their unbeaten start to the U18 Premier League season, Dickman’s side produced a dogged performance which would suggest hope as they return to the Academy of Light for Saturday’s Wear-Tees Derby.
Middlesbrough: LWDLL
Currently ninth in the league, Middlesbrough head to Wearside having endured a similar vein of form as the Black Cats.
With one win from their previous five league fixtures, Boro’s youth team have slipped down the league following defeats to Manchester City, Liverpool and most recently Derby County.
The Last five...
Aug 27 2016 – Middlesbrough U18 3-0 Sunderland U18
Feb 28 2016 – Middlesbrough U18 1-0 Sunderland U18
Feb 19 2016 – Sunderland U18 2-3 Middlesbrough U18
Aug 15 2015 – Middlesbrough U18 0-4 Sunderland U18
Jan 24 2015 – Sunderland U18 1-5 Middlesbrough U18
Focus: Alex Storey
A commanding centre-half, Alex Storey was drafted in as skipper earlier in the season following Adam Bale’s season-ending injury. Since then Storey has produced a number of assured performances at the back and has struck up a strong partnership alongside Brandon Taylor. Storey’s guidance will be key in Saturday’s Wear-Tees derby as the Lads look to return to Wearside with three points.
