Mark Atkinson was happy to settle for a point as Sunderland under-18s collected their fourth point in two matches.
Following an impressive 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday, Atkinson’s side had no time to rest as they fixed their attentions on Tuesday’s mini Tyne-Wear derby.
Lee Connelly got the youth team off to a dream start on Tyneside as he calmly slotted home on 17 minutes, before the Magpies hit back minutes after the half-hour mark with a looping header from Kelland Watts.
Sunderland responded well, though, and on the stroke of half-time Connelly rounded off a sweeping move to restore the lads’ lead.
But it wasn’t to last long, Mohammed Sangare turned home during the second period to ensure the young Black Cats return to Wearside with just a point.
Speaking post-match, Atkinson shared his delight at the quality of the two goals Connelly scored, admitting his players reacted well to playing their second match in four days.
“I thought we grew into the game and scored two great goals from our point of view,” he said.
“Especially the second one because there was some great football in the build-up and it’s something we have been working on in the last couple of weeks.
“Two great finishes from Lee Connelly before Newcastle came back into the match after the break and put us under a lot of pressure.”
He continued: “Towards the end though we grew into the match again, it was a big ask for our lads to play Saturday and Tuesday but they have come through it.”
