Andy Welsh was left delighted as Sunderland under-23s produced a thrilling second-half comeback to earn a draw at Derby County in the Premier League International Cup.
Calum MacDonald broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick on 42 minutes before Josh Robson failed to keep the ball out of his own net as he slid in to clear Mason Bennett’s drilled cross moments later.
The young Black Cats responded well after the break though and halved the Rams’ deficit when Andrew Nelson calmly slotted home following a bulldozing run.
Sunderland continued to plug away and while Derby held their own for much of the second period, Cameron Cresswell turned home a cross from the left flank to leave Welsh and his backroom staff delighted.
Speaking post-match, the under-23s hailed his players comeback ability and paid particular tribute to Rees Greenwood following his return from injury.
“First of all it was really important for the lads to qualify and we did that so we are delighted,” he said.
“We were disappointed at half time because we had a couple of halve chances but then had a poor three or four minutes and fell behind to a terrific free-kick.
“It was a little bit difficult to take going into half-time but we came out after the break and won more one on one duels and to be fair it was a great comeback and a deserved result in the end.”
He continued: “Rees was terrific, he worked hard in possession and out of it.
“We switched him for 10 minute spells with Carl Lawson and he had a couple of good chances in the second half and probably should’ve taken one.”
