Sunderland U23 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Two goals from Mitch Curry and a splendid performance from Anthony Patterson secured a 2-1 victory for Sunderland over Wolves at the Academy of Light on Friday afternoon.
The Premier League 2 win moves Elliott Dickman’s side into fourth in the Second Division.
The young Lads began the game well, and immediately took the advantage with seven minutes played as Curry made a clever run onto Jake Hackett’s long pass, finding himself through and unleashing a strike high into the net.
Taylor Perry was later to get on the scoresheet for the visitors in the second half, but two chances were spurned in the first 45 minutes by the midfielder, both from Luke Matheson pull-backs as Wolves got a grip on the contest.
Pascal Estrada’s header and Theo Corbeanu’s diverted effort also threatened the Black Cats, but only in the way of half-chances as the hosts stood firm – Patterson also commanding his area with conviction throughout.
Curry continued to push for a second goal, chasing down every loose ball, and saw a side-footed strike from a tight angle smartly kept out by Andreas Sondergaard in the Wolves goal.
A terrific stop from Patterson then kept the Lads in front, as he somehow clawed away Perry’s goalbound free kick.
It would be a telling contribution too – Curry found himself through on goal again with 20 minutes remaining, and neatly tucked a low finish beyond Sondergaard to increase the buffer for Dickman’s team.
It would be eight minutes later when Wolves halved their deficit, as they were awarded a rather unclear penalty for an alleged handball – Patterson got a touch, but a powerful hit from Perry took it into the middle of the net despite losing his footing.
Chances at both ends called the goalkeepers into further action, Patterson denying Luke Cundle, whilst Sondergaard tipped Stephen Wearne’s free kick round the far post.
Sunderland remained resolute, and saw out a well-grafted victory in the Wearside sunshine.
Sunderland: Patterson ©, Wombwell, Steels, Almond, Taylor, Younger, Wearne, Wilding, Curry, Hackett, Dunne.
Subs not used: Earl, Richardson, Taylor, Beaumont, Harris.