Sunderland under-18s edged past a resolute Brighton side at the Academy of Light to end their final home match of the season with a win.
Mark Atkinson’s side started well with a curled shot from Chris Allan drifting just wide but did go ahead with a super goal with nine minutes on the clock.
It was Jack Diamond who twisted and turned on the edge of the box before unleashing a gem of a low shot into the corner of the net.
The Seagulls came back and Black Cats keeper Anthony Patterson had to save well from a set piece, diving low to his left and holding on.
On 25 minutes, the lead was nearly doubled when Owen Gamble put a good ball in from the right, but Diamond's header hit the bar before bouncing to safety.
Just before the break, Allan attempted another shot from distance that was close but the half ended with the Wearsiders on top, having been the better side for much of the game so far.
The second period began with a controversial incident.
Sonny Best burst down the middle and was going clear. However, he was brought down on the edge of the box for a fruitless free kick. It looked as though the defender was the last man but there was no booking given by the referee or any action taken whatsoever.
Later in the half, it was Best again who drew a good save after cutting in from the right but Sunderland just couldn't get that second goal that would have consolidated the lead.
Brighton had made things difficult but the game finished with a narrow Sunderland victory.
Sunderland: Patterson, Lattie, Krusnell, Allan, Taylor, Storey, Gamble, Hackett, Connelly (Best 9 Connolly 87), Kimpioka (McAughtrie 79), Diamond.
Subs not used: Young, Woud.