Mark Atkinson is pleased with the progress his side are making, insisting the quality will come in the next few friendlies.
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Sunderland under-18s completed their second 90-minute run out on Saturday, drawing 1-1 with Oldham Athletic.
Fergus McAughtrie got the Lads off to flying start, finding the net with real precision despite the ‘keepers best efforts to stop the left-footed strike.
Chances continued to rain in for the young Black Cats until the visitors dealt them a late, late blow to leave the Academy of Light with a draw following some lax defending.
But the despite the late setback, the under-18s boss has highlighted the steady progress his side have made as they enter the fourth week of preparations for the new season.
“We were generally pleased with some parts of the lads’ play,” he said.
“The first 20 minutes and the last 20 minutes in the game was what we were mainly looking at because we are probably a game behind the teams we are playing.
“Oldham have played a game extra and you could tell at times so we know that.
“There were some positive signs and once again we were really pleased with the attitude and application which we can’t fault.
“The quality will come as the lads get games under their belts.”
He continued: “We played Oldham last season and they bring a different kind of test.
“They like to get the ball forward quickly, they aren’t ashamed to do that and it’s a good test for our players because we don’t come up against that often.
“It is a different challenge and something our lads need to get used to because as you go higher up in your development it’s something they need to be wise to.”
