Andy Welsh was left delighted on Sunday as Sunderland under-23s sealed a comprehensive victory over an undefeated Southampton in the Premier League 2.
The development team upstaged the Saints throughout and raced into an early lead as Josh Maja netted inside two minutes.
Maja headed the lads into a two-goal lead moments before the break and then George Honeyman rounded off the scoring on the hour mark with an incisive finish from a free-flowing move.
The win means the under-23s are undefeated after their opening three league fixtures and speaking post-match Welsh couldn’t hide his delight as he lavished praise on his young guns.
“Southampton have started the season really well and it was a tough game,” he said. “But we dealt with their threats well and we were clinical with our finishing.
“We took our three goals well so overall it was a great display with plenty of desire and commitment on show.
“The performances in our first three games have been excellent and that is ultimately what it’s all about,” he continued.
“We have got a young squad and players like Dan Wright and Ethan Robson have stepped up to the plate and been excellent.
“The young players have been performing very well and their desire and application has been excellent in each of our first three games.
“To say we have got seven points from nine is great but we have got to try and keep that momentum going now.”
