Elliott Dickman has thrown down the gauntlet and challenged his players to score more goals.
Sunderland under-23s put six past Peterborough United last Monday, to take their tally in the Premier League Cup to 17.
Sitting top of group A, the Black Cats have secured their place in the knockout stages of the competition, with just one match left – against Stoke City under-23s next week – to determine who advances as group winners.
Jack Diamond bagged an impressive hat-trick while Scottish frontman Lee Connelly was also on form as he fired home a brace to secure a second-straight win in all competitions for Dickman’s side.
Diamond’s treble came as his fourth goal in his last two games, taking his tally for the season to seven while Connelly took his total to eight.
But speaking to safc.com ahead of tonight’s Premier League 2 trip to West Bromwich Albion (match details below), Dickman admitted goals must become a constant theme if they are to take their game to the next level.
“Lee has done terrifically all season for us and I can’t speak highly enough of him,” he said.
“That’s why he wore the armband last Monday against Peterborough United because he leads by example.
“I know at times we look at his size, but he is such a clever player. He is clever with his movement; his positional take and he makes very good runs.
“His effort really exploits teams and he took his two goals well against Peterborough United. He knows we could’ve had a couple more to be fair to him.
“Jack, on the other hand, knows he needs to score more,” he continued. “Obviously, he put three away last Monday and I’m delighted for him because he knows he does need to start adding goals to his game.
“That contribution will give him a lot of confidence, but it will also give Lee and the other lads a boost too in front of goal because scoring goals is something we haven’t done enough of this season.”
MATCH INFO
Sunderland under-23s are in Premier League 2 action this evening away at West Bromwich Albion.
The game will be played at Kidderminster Harriers’ ground and will kick-off at 7pm.
