Sunderland U18 0-3 Derby County U18
Sam Lightle reviews the action from Sunderland under-18s second home game in their Premier League season.
It proved to be a day to forget for the young Black Cats as Derby County ran riot at the Academy of Light to record a comfortable victory.
Fuseine Rashid broke the deadlock for the visitors before Jordan Mitchell doubled their lead early in the second period.
Connor Dixon then wrapped up the points for the Rams in the closing stages.
TWO CHANGES
Michael Woud began the afternoon between the sticks, replacing Anthony Patterson who produced an inspired display last weekend to earn the lads a point against Newcastle United. Sam Greenwood also dropped to the bench as Ryan Leonard started.
CATS UNDONE BY RAMS
A quiet opening sparked to life when the visitors took the game by the scruff of the neck, turning the ball home with a well-rehearsed set-piece. Sunderland were sloppy in clearing their lines as the ball was hooked in, with giant defender Rashid reacting well to guide home. While the goal saw the Black Cats fall behind, it seemed to come as a wake-up call as Lee Connelly’s fierce strike from an angle was cleared off the line. However, Sunderland’s revival was short lived as the Rams then proceeded to take over with only a great save by New Zealand stopper Woud, denying Derby’s Dixon.
FAST START
Sunderland were caught cold in the second period as Derby County slipped through the gears, doubling their lead two minutes after the break. Once again, fast passing saw the Rams unlock the Black Cats’ rear guard as Jordan Mitchell side-footed low just inside the far post, past keeper Woud. Derby were cruising and with two minutes left on the clock they added a third through Dixon. A free-kick was floated in from the right and keeper Woud opted to stay on his line which gave Dixon time to flick home with his head.
Sunderland under-18: Woud, Howard, McAughtrie, Connolly, Young, Leonard (Dunne 53), Hackett, Connelly (Greenwood 85), Best (Scothern 72), Kimpioka.
Subs not used: Devine, Patterson.