Elliot Embleton has heralded his goal in Sunderland’s first Checkatrade Trophy game at Rochdale as a proud moment.
After an action packed yet goalless first period, the 17-year-old rose to the occasion five minutes after the restart and netted a sublime effort from the edge of the box.
Good work from Tommy Robson down the left flank saw him pick out Embleton’s run from deep, the midfielder then played a neat one two with Josh Maja before bending his effort past an outstretched Josh Lillis.
While the Lads were pegged back shortly after and then defeated on penalties, Embleton shared his delight to get on the scoresheet and admitted it was a beneficial experience to play against a Football League opposition.
“It was a good performance because it was a proper first-team game and the first taste of it for a lot of the lads,” he said.
“Overall we did well, we grew into the game because the first 15-20 minutes were tough but we worked it out and looked to play.”
He continued: “It was a great moment to score against a league side in the cup so I’m very proud of myself and I’m still only 17-years-old.
“I saw Maja (on the edge of the box) and I know he is technically good and able to set it, so when I got it back I just bent it in and as soon as I hit it I just knew it was in.”
