An opening day defeat is never the way you want to start a season, and Sunderland under-18 manager Paul Bryson is aware that his team needs to reach the levels of their opponents last weekend if they are to have a successful season.
The 3-0 defeat against a Manchester United was a humbling one for Bryson and his players, but they have the chance to rectify that this weekend against Blackburn Rovers.
Sunderland can take heart though from the fact that they were giving a few players their first starts at this level, though, and they can only learn from that experience.
“Manchester United were very good last weekend and deserved that 3-0 win.
We went into the game confident and our pre-season was good, but United were at another level which is where we aspire to be and where we need to be - although we were quite a bit younger and that really does make a difference at this age.
“They had 10 second-year starters, whereas we had half of our team starting as first-year scholars. But that takes nothing away from Manchester United. who were brilliant and so they should be, as they have spent a lot of money on that side.”
Looking ahead, Bryson knows that his side have a chance of getting a good result at home this weekend, and he is happy with his sides' progress on and off the pitch.
“It is really tough for the first years when they come in as they are getting used to full-time training, the gym and all the other stuff that goes in and around being a full-time player.
“Our lads are just fresh out of school so it can be difficult for them in the initial few weeks of coming in here on a permanent basis.
“The first years are a great group to work with, though, and they just need to be patient and they will reap the rewards as the season goes on and kicking into next season.”