Elliott Dickman has warned his players that will face a big test when they take on Stockton Town on Wednesday evening.
Currently playing in the Northern League Division One, Stockton were promoted last season and they’ve adjusted well to life in a higher tier, sitting seventh after 24 games.
Sunderland under-23s, meanwhile, have endured a tough start to their Premier League 2 campaign, but the season has by no means been a disappointment, with a new crop of youngsters stepping up.
And speaking to safc.com, Dickman urged his young guns to relish the chance of securing a place in the Durham County Challenge Cup third round.
“We’ve got some young players involved tonight,” said Dickman.
“That includes some of the under-18s and they’ll also be some first-year scholars on the bench, but it’s a good chance for them to show what they can do against an experienced side."
He continued: “It’s not going to be an easy game because they’re a senior team that play in a competitive league.
“They’re more experienced, older and, perhaps, have a better understanding of the game compared to some of our younger players who are still learning, but that’s a good thing and this represents a chance to pit our wits against men.
“We’ll have to take care of the ball and make the most of time in possession, while working equally hard without it, and hopefully our technical ability will shine through.”
