Sunderland under-18s travel to Finch Farm for the second time in two weeks as they take on Everton in the Premier League Cup on Saturday.
Paul Bryson’s side will be looking for revenge after a hugely disappointing loss to the Toffees in the league last time.
The lads lost 2-1 to Newcastle United in their previous game in the mini Wear-Tyne derby, but Bryson was delighted with the reaction of his players.
“I’m really pleased with the response of the players from the week before, out of possession and in possession we were really good and it looked like we were going to go on and win the game,” he said.
“I can’t fault the lads for their effort, with it being a local derby the lads really wanted to put a strong performance in, and they certainly did that.
“It was a kick in the teeth for us to concede two goals so late on, with only a few minutes left it would have been disappointing to draw the game, let alone lose it so we’re gutted about that.”
“I’m hoping that this weekend we can get the same response from the players that we did for the Newcastle game.
“Everton are a very good category one side, but if we show the same desire and work rate as Saturday, I’m sure we can put a better performance in than we did two weeks ago.”
Bryson also reserved praise for centre back Harry Ord after he returned from injury in the derby.
“We had Harry Ord back on Saturday and he did particularly well at left centre-back, we’ve missed him recently,” he continued.
“He adds a little bit of experience to the group with him being a second year which will help some of the younger lads in the team.”
“Hopefully we can get him a run of games now because he will be a real asset to us, and he will only get better with game time.”
