Middlesbrough U18 3-0 Sunderland U18
Sunderland under-18s suffered their third successive defeat in the U18 Premier League at the hands of Middlesbrough at Rockliffe Park on Saturday.
In what was a whirlwind start, the young Black Cats were reduced to 10 after Brandon Taylor saw red for a foul in a one-on-one situation with just 15 minutes on the clock.
To the lads’ credit though they contained their Teesside counterparts for much of the game until their rear-guard was finally breached three times in the closing stages.
The early dismissal of Taylor was pivotal to the outcome but the young Black Cats did well and made Boro fight all of the way for the points.
Sunderland contained the home side for large portions but inevitably tired towards the end as Boro’s man advantaged paid dividends.
The first goal came on 75 minutes when the young Black Cats didn't get tight enough on an attack, and five minutes later poor marking again allowed Boro the chance to gain a two-goal cushion from a corner.
Boro rounded off the game with a third in the final minute as lapse defending was again punished as the hosts finished from close range.
Speaking after the game, under-18s coach Elliott Dickman said: "The lads gave their all and were devastated that they could not hold out.
“There were some positives from the game because we kept our shape well and showed great determination. Hopefully, we can learn from the game.”
Sunderland under-18s starting XI: Woud, Gamble, Taylor, Hickey, McAughtrie, Mbunga-Kimpioka (70 Fowler), Allan, Bale, Hackett, Best (Young 15), Connolly (Diamond 46).