Jake Hackett is hopeful his team-mates can channel what they’ve learned from a challenging campaign into having a strong finish this season.
Made up of largely first-year scholars, the young Black Cats have endured a hard fought campaign in the U18 Premier League.
Friday’s win over Stoke City saw Mark Atkinson’s side move off the foot of the table and sign off the first stage of their season in pleasing fashion.
Jack Diamond was the man among the goals, netting his first after a moment of magic five minutes into the second period before securing the win in the closing stages as he capped off a sensational 14-pass move.
With eyes fixed on the play-off stages now, Hackett has told safc.com the reality of their turbulent campaign could provide them with the perfect platform to build from.
“It was good to get the win and the fact we had a young side made it all the more pleasing,” he said.
“It was good to get all the first years on the pitch at once and I thought it was a good result.
“There were a lot of good individual performances but most importantly we played well as a team and especially played well in the second half.
“We now want to carry it on into the merits now,” he continued.
“It has been a massive bonus for the first-year scholars to play so many minutes.
“It will stand us in good stead for next season and hopefully we can fulfil what’s expected of us.”
