Elliott Dickman has hailed the collective effort of his group following Sunderland Under-23s’ 4-0 win over Newcastle United today.
A brace from Benji Kimpioka and one apiece from Josh Hawkes and Cieran Dunne sealed a comprehensive victory on Tyneside.
Speaking post-match to safc.com, the head coach revealed his delight at picking up their first three points of the Premier League 2 campaign.
“We’re really pleased for everyone involved with today’s win,” Dickman said.
“Over the last few months, we’ve obviously struggled to pick up a win in the league, but there’s a lot of hard work gone on behind the scenes to get this victory.
“We’re delighted for the lads on the pitch too. I thought their work ethic and football was really good and we deserved to come out on top.”
Due to Sunderland’s EFL Trophy commitments on Tuesday, Dickman revealed they tried to move the game after being without numerous key players.
But after earning the three points despite fielding a much-changed side, he praised his young squad.
“Sam Wilding did a really good job in the middle breaking play up and he was well complimented by Stephen Wearne,” he continued.
“I thought Josh Hawkes was excellent and he took his goal well. Hopefully he can keep that up now.
“Young Patrick Almond stepped in from the Under-18s and you’d think he’d played Under-23s football for a long time.
“I could name every single one of them, but today was very much a team effort and they all deserve huge credit.”
He continued: “The lads should take a lot of confidence from this – everyone is pulling in the right direction.
“Phil Parkinson was on the phone to me after the game and he’s delighted for the players, it’s great to see and it gives everyone a lift.
“It’s brilliant to get the win, and it’s obviously a bonus to do it against our local rivals.”