Everton U18 0-2 Sunderland U18
Sunderland under-18s returned to winning ways in the Premier League this afternoon as they defeated Everton.
Michael Collins netted an own goal on 17 minutes to get the Black Cats on their way before Benji Kimpioka doubled their advantage a minute into the second 45.
SCENESETTER
Everton. Sunderland travelled to Merseyside this afternoon with their focus fixed firmly on overturning a result and performance which has arguably shaped their season. While the result and performance that day back in October left Mark Atkinson with much to ponder, there can be little, if any complaints from him when looking at his side’s response in recent months – a run which has included a victory over Manchester City. But for all the good work Atkinson’s side have put in over the last few months, fighting back and overturning a deficit against Everton that provided a huge wake-up call has been top of the agenda.
NOT SO BLUE
And that’s exactly what the lads did. A defiant defeat at Blackburn Rovers last time out saw the lads return home on Saturday disappointed after not making the most of their chances. However, the lads did just that this afternoon as they waltzed to victory at Finch Park.
SUPER SWEDE
Collins was helpless to turning the ball into his own net on 17 minutes as Kimpioka got down the right flank and flashed a teasing ball into the mix. The Everton man swung a hopeful leg at the ball but could only divert it past his own stopper as the lads gained control of the fixture. Anthony Patterson was rarely troubled in the Sunderland goal as Robbie Dunne opted against rounding the Toffees stopper and instead took aim early. But the Black Cats’ good work was rewarded early in the second 45 as Kimpioka doubled their advantage inside 60 seconds of the restart, to see the lads return to winning ways after Saturday’s defeat to Blackburn Rovers.
Sunderland U18: Patterson, Howard, Edmundson, Derbali, Hesson, Kokolo, Scothern (Lilley, 78), Evans, Kimpioka (Leonard, 65), Greenwood, Dunne (Slack, 78)
Subs: Devine, Newman