Sheffield United U18s 2 Sunderland U18s 2
Sunderland under-18s clawed back a two-goal deficit to draw at Sheffield United in their second pre-season friendly on Friday afternoon.
After trailing 2-0 at the break, goals from Chris Allan and Lee Connelly sealed a valiant comeback for the youth team as they continue their preparations for the 2016-17 U18 Premier League campaign.
Having enjoyed an intense four-day training camp, the under-18s travelled to Sheffield on Friday afternoon to round off what has been a challenging week for them.
With nine new faces still settling into the Black Cats’ way of life, Elliott Dickman has been working tirelessly with his backroom staff to get the fresh faces up to speed as they look to build on last Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Gateshead College.
However, their second test started in disappointing fashion as they trailed by two goals at the midway interval.
Sunderland though to their credit responded well in the second period and managed to halve the deficit when Allan executed a fine free-kick which highlighted the Lads’ fighting spirit.
Allan dispatched a free-kick into the top-right corner after Jack Diamond had been brought down following surging run as he came inside off the right flank.
The young guns continued to stride forward in search of an equaliser and after being denied on numerous occasions, Connelly finally made one of the Lads’ chances count as Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka capitalised on a loose ball.
The Swedish international unselfishly squared the ball to Connelly and he poked home his third goal in two friendlies for the club.
While the young Black Cats will leave Sheffield disappointed with the two goals conceded, heart can be taken from their resolute efforts to get back on level terms.
Sunderland under-18s starting XI: Woud, Hickey, Taylor, Storey, McAughtrie, Bale, Diamond, Hackett, Allan, Mbunga-Kimpioka, Connelly.