Sunderland under-18s coach Paul Bryson looked to take the positives from his side’s first-half performance as they exited the Premier League Cup following a 3-3 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Black Cats took a three-goal lead into the break at the Academy of Light thanks to Ryan Gooch’s 16th minute strike and Cole Kiernan’s brace, only for the Seagulls to draw level through Jack Spong and Lorent Tolaj’s double – with the third goal a source of controversy.
The result ensured the Lads finished third in Group C, and Bryson felt that the warning sign were present despite his side’s strong start.
“I thought we played well first half with a strong breeze behind us.
“We were very clinical with the chances we took, but the warning signs were there because Adam [Cameron] had to make two good one-on-one saves, so we said at half time you still need to be at it because Adam’s kept you in the game.
“We conceded one, where we are at the minute we’re a little bit fragile, and then we concede another to make it 3-2.
“Though I may say the third goal hits the linesman, it’s got to be a throw in but they play on and score from it.
“We don’t normally create that many chances so to score three and not win the game is quite disappointing really, but we could have quite easily lost it as well so it is what it is.”
Although the Black Cats weren’t able to secure a win in their final game of 2018, Bryson was pleased with a number of individual performances on Saturday morning – including under-15 debutant Logan Pye at left-back.
“One pleasing point was young Logan Pye, I thought he was excellent,” he continued.
“I thought he grew into the game, made good decisions and defended well so I was really pleased with him, the disappointing thing was to lose Ryan Gooch after 20 minutes and Cole Kiernan just after half time through injury.
“Cole’s still not 100% fit, but he likes to play on and loves scoring goals although we’ve got to look after his welfare first and foremost.”
