Mark Atkinson has hailed the character of his players after Sunderland under-18s came from behind to defeat Liverpool on Saturday.
Chris Allan scored a sublime 30-yard free-kick to draw the young Black Cats immediately level after falling behind on 25 minutes.
Ben Kimpioka then turned the fixture on its head when he stabbed home following a goalmouth scramble to give the Black Cats a half-time lead.
Atkinson’s side held firm after the break to secure an impressive three points against a Liverpool side who were undefeated in their previous 13 matches ahead of kick-off.
Speaking to safc.com, Atkinson was all smiles as he recorded his first win as manager of the youth team.
“It was a pleasing performance in what was horrible conditions,” he said.
“In the first half we played some really good football and created some good opportunities.
“After the break we were against the wind, it was a different game but the lads rolled their sleeves up and stuck at it.
“We saw it through and showed some character because in previous weeks we have gone a goal down and maybe it has fazed us slightly,” he continued.
“The win builds on the positive display at Blackburn last weekend where we just couldn’t see it through and conceded late on, but against Liverpool we held on and secured the three points.”
