Sunderland under-18s put on a battling display but fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against U18 Premier League leaders Derby County at the Academy of Light.
The Rams took a one-goal lead into half-time after Tyree Wilson’s 17th minute free-kick was placed into the bottom corner by Archie Brown following a deflection in the box.
Sunderland grew into the game during the second half but couldn’t find the all-important equaliser and the visitors held on for all three points.
The Black Cats came into Saturday afternoon’s fixture as underdogs with the visitors sitting top of the U18 Premier League prior to kick-off, while Paul Bryson has been forced to call upon a number of under-15 and under-16s players in recent weeks.
His players were a match for Derby in the game’s early stages and restricted them to spells of possession away from goal – their first chance being an 11th minute Wilson strike from the edge of the area which was comfortably saved by Jack Newman.
The visitors found their way in front six minutes later through a set-piece however, with Wilson’s ball into the area rebounding to the feet of Brown who swiftly got his shot away to catch Newman off guard and find the bottom corner.
The remainder of the first half provided a physical contest in midfield with tough tackles a regular occurrence, with neither side able to create any clear chances on goal.
As the game ticked over into the second 45, Newman had to remain alert to deny Wilson from doubling Derby’s lead as he raced out to block the forward’s shot at the near post and ensure the game remained within reach.
Moments later it was Patrick Almond’s turn to come to Sunderland’s rescue as he raced back to clear off the line when it seemed certain Liam Delap would tap home after rounding Newman.
The Black Cats looked to build attacks through Sean Kennedy and Ryan Gooch on the flanks for much of the second period, but the visitors remained a threat on the counter and struck the crossbar through Brown with just over 20 minutes to go.
Derby hit the woodwork again with 12 minutes left on the clock as Callum Minkley headed Jaden Charles’ cross against the crossbar from inside the area.
The Rams held on to their lead despite Sunderland’s attacking intent late on, taking all three points away from the Academy of Light despite a valiant effort from Bryson’s side.
Sunderland under-18s: Newman; Smith, Howard, Wombwell, Almond, Ord, Gooch (Miller, 77’), Scothern (Lilley, 83’), Slack, Townsend, Kennedy.
Subs: Cameron, Foster, Krakue.
