Safc.com’s Sam Lightle runs the rule over the youth team’s first match in the U18 Premier League season.
Anthony Patterson produced a masterclass display between the posts to inspire Sunderland under-18s to earn a point in today’s Wear-Tyne derby.
The Black Cats stopper made save after save as the lads weathered an intense storm throughout with only Matty Longstaff’s rolled effort five minutes into the second period managing to find a way past him.
Patterson’s saves proved vital though, with Lee Connelly earning the lads a share of the spoils with a composed finish in the closing stages at the Academy of Light.
GREEN LIGHT
Mark Atkinson was bold in his first team selection of the 2017-18 season, picking under-16s starlet Sam Greenwood to partner Connelly up top. Tom Howard slotted in at right-back while Sonny Best became the only other first-year scholar to feature from the off.
NIP AND TUCK
Newcastle were slick in the opening stages, carving the lads’ backline in two with willing runners breaking forward from deep and getting in behind Jacob Young and Jordan Hickey. Benji Kimpioka fell afoul of losing the ball cheaply on the halfway line, much to the displeasure of Atkinson, before responding well with a rasping drive that cracked the woodwork. The Magpies were largely dominant in the opening period but were left frustrated by the resolute Patterson who produced an acrobatic stop to turn a deflected strike away after doing well to race off his line and force the Magpies’ attacker wide as he surged into his box. Commanding play.
PATT ON THE BACK
The Black Cats stopper was powerless to preventing Longstaff’s effort. The midfielder darted towards the near post as a low cross from the left was played in. Patterson moved his feet quickly but was caught out by Longstaff’s scuffed effort which trickled into the bottom corner. The youngster’s response though, was emphatic. Newcastle began to stream forward time after time, but came up against an inspired stopper who showed great endeavour to get back and scoop the ball away after being rounded before clawing the ball out of the air after being lobbed.
CLINICAL FINISHING
The string of saves proved decisive and Sunderland grew in confidence. The introduction of Robbie Dunne saw the lads take a more direct approach, with the Republic of Ireland striker bulling his way around the pitch. Dunne’s efforts were almost rewarded when looked to move onto Fergus McAughtrie’s sumptuous cross from the left but failed to make contact with the ball. Sunderland drew level, though. Connelly slipped in behind and was at his clinical best, finishing low much to the delight of his team-mates.
Sunderland U18s: Patterson, Howard, McAughtrie, Connolly, Hickey, Kimpioka, Hackett (Scothern, 81), Connelly, Greenwood (Dunne), Best (Leonard, 82)
Subs not used: Devine, Woud.