Sunderland U18s 1-1 Middlesbrough U18s
Sunderland secured a hard-earned draw against local rivals Middlesbrough despite being reduced to 10 men at the Academy of Light.
Boro opened the scoring after 29 minutes in unusual fashion as Bilall Brahimi’s scored direct from a corner to halt the hosts’ early momentum.
The Black Cats clawed their way back into the game and earned a point thanks to Sam Greenwood’s 25-yard rocket. Jordan Hickey then saw red for a second yellow card with five minutes to go.
SCENESETTER
Sunderland played host to north-east rivals Middlesbrough looking to make it three wins on the bounce following impressive victories over high-flying Everton and Liverpool in the last seven days. Goalkeeper Jack Newman made his first start for the under-18s after coming off the bench to make his debut on Saturday following an injury to Anthony Patterson. Boro came to the Academy of Light in 10th place with a habit of playing their part in goal-fests - with five of their last six games boasting at least five goals in total.
ADVANTAGE BORO
The Black Cats saw a few glimpses of goal in the first 10 minutes, with Greenwood the architect of their chances. The midfielder first saw his 25-yard free-kick zip a few yards wide of the near post, before moments later embarking on a mazy run from the halfway line only for Boro keeper Brad James to smother ball before Robbie Dunne could connect with Greenwood’s ball. The pendulum swung the way of the Teessiders on 29 minutes however, as Brahimi’s corner - aided by the wind - swept over everyone’s head and into the far corner of the net for an unorthodox opening goal.
TABLES TURNED
Boro’s opening goal swung the momentum their way and they created chances that should have seen them extend their lead before the break. Brahimi continued to cause problems down the right-wing during the first period, firstly pulling back to the edge of the box for Layton Watts to fire wide first-time before Tyrone O’Neill sent Brahimi’s cross over from six yards out moments later.
CATS CLAW BACK
Boro’s one-goal advantage saw the Black Cats put the pressure on in the second-half, and their endeavour paid off in the form of a Greenwood screamer. The midfielder strolled towards the box with the ball at his feet and looked up before unleashing an unstoppable 25-yard rocket that crashed in off the underside of the bar to bring the game back to all square. Greenwood could have put the hosts ahead moments later as he broke through on the right side of the box but this time sent his effort well clear of the crossbar. Despite being under pressure for much of the second-half, the Teessiders almost went ahead but for Newman’s sharp reflexes as the keeper tipped Stephen Walker’s point-blank header onto the crossbar to keep the game level.
LATE DRAMA
Sunderland were forced to battle for a point late on as defender Hickey was sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the afternoon for a full-blooded challenge on Boro left-back Cain Sykes with five minutes to go. The Black Cats survived a late flurry of chances to earn a point, with Newman on hand to parry several efforts away from danger while the crossbar kept out Stephen Wearne’s header at the death.
Sunderland: Newman, Kokolo, Hesson, Evans, Derbali, Hickey, Best (Leonard, 59), Scothern (Edmundsson, 70), Dunne, Greenwood, Connelly (Slack, 76)
Subs: Howard, Devine.