Match guide to Sunderland under-18s’ home fixture against Swansea City this Saturday.
Date: Saturday 8 April 2017
Time: 11am
Location: Academy of Light
Competition: U18 Premier League
Sunderland: LWLLD
Mark Atkinson’s side experienced another learning curve last Saturday, conceding in the dying embers to squander two points at Leicester City. Lee Connelly’s strike looked to have given the Black Cats all three points, but a late rally from the Foxes saw Sunderland concede in the last minute for the second time in as many games.
It’s another frustrating lesson for Atkinson’s young guns, but hopefully they can make amends on Saturday against the Jacks…
Swansea City: LLDWL
Wolverhampton Wanderers kept up their 100% start in the Premier League merit groups, defeating Swansea City last Saturday 1-0.
The result leaves the Jacks two places above Sunderland with three points from as many games in the merit groups. Victory over the Black Cats this weekend, though, could see them climb the league up to second.
Focus: Jake Hackett
First-year scholar Jake Hackett has enjoyed a productive season in his inaugural term as a full-time professional at the Academy of Light. A long-serving product at the club, Hackett has been forced to play out wide for most of the season but has plied his trade effectively and his efforts are beginning to be rewarded.