Stoke City U18 2-2 Sunderland U18
Ryan Leonard scored an injury-time penalty last Saturday as Sunderland under-18s salvaged a Premier League point away at Stoke City.
Sonny Best had handed the Black Cats the advantage at Colney Training Centre on 22 minutes, charging down Nathan Broome’s clearance before watching the ball agonisingly roll over the line.
The Potters turned the fixture on its head and levelled eight minutes after the restart through their trialist before Osazee Aghatise turned home what looked to be an 84th minute winner to break Sunderland’s hearts following a valiant display.
However, there was to be a late twist in the tale as Leonard dispatched a penalty, after he was fouled inside the area, to secure a share of the spoils.
Speaking to Red & White, Sunderland under-18s, boss Paul Bryson, said: “The thing we had against Middlesbrough last week was that we had four trialists playing at the same time.
“It disrupted our flow a little because it’s virtually half the team. We lacked a little bit of identity and while we’ve found it difficult this season one thing, they do is they work incredibly hard.
“They know their roles and responsibilities but last week that wasn’t the case because of the trialists playing.
“This week we had two trialists in and there was more of an identity to our play. We performed well and it was just a case of not taking our chances as that cost us at Stoke City.
“We showed good character on Saturday after falling behind to come back and get a point. It was the least we deserved so I was pleased the players got something to show for their efforts.”
Next up for Bryson’s side, is an away trip to Blackburn Rovers today at Brockhall Village.
