Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s 5-2 Sunderland U18s
Sunderland's youngsters started the season with a defeat to Wolves in the Midlands.
There was no caution whatsoever as both teams went flat out at a very fast tempo throughout, creating many chances but it was the home side that prevailed and were worthy winners at the final whistle.
In a whirlwind start, the young Black Cats took the lead after only ten minutes with Jack Diamond whipping in a great centre from the right for Michael Fowler to head home.
The lead only lasted for two minutes when the home side overloaded down the left and crossed for a close-range equaliser.
Seven minutes later, Wolves took the lead when Sunderland were caught by a corner which was taken short and crossed for a free header at the back post.
The Wearsiders fought back to level with a magnificent strike by midfielder Adam Bale, whose shot from distance crashed into the top corner.
But just before the break, the home side restored their advantage with a left side cross creating a simple sidefoot home.
In the second period, both sides created chances but it was Wolves that went on to take the game out of sight for the visitors.
On 65 minutes, a deflected shot which could have gone anywhere fell to a home attacker who crashed the ball home and five minutes from time another cross from the left provided a tap in at the far post.
Coach Elliott Dickman said: "The scoreline doesn't really reflect the game - we played some good stuff but poor defending cost us the game. We needed more care with the final ball as well."
Sunderland U18s: Woud, Howard, Taylor, Storey, McGautrie, Bale, Hackett, Hickey, Diamond, Fowler, Kimpioka (Leonard, 80).