Sunderland U23 2-0 Barnsley U23
Two goals in the final 20 minutes saw Sunderland defeat Barnsley in their latest pre-season friendly this afternoon.
Jack Diamond and Benji Kimpioka scored twice in eight minutes to deal the visitors the knockout blow in what was a largely tight affair.
Elliott Dickman named a strong side for the Lads’ latest friendly, with Max Stryjek, Bali Mumba, Luke Molyneux, Jake Hackett and Benji Kimpioka all featuring.
But despite boasting some first-team experience in the starting XI, the Black Cats struggled to really put Barnsley to the sword as Hackett’s drive from distance was Sunderland’s only real chance in the first 45.
Molyneux followed that up in the second 45, forcing Barnsley’s stopper into action before the breakthrough eventually came with 70 minutes played.
Diamond latched onto a loose ball and raced clear before finishing neatly. From there, Sunderland slipped through the gears as Lee Connelly smacked the upright after rounding the visitors’ ‘keeper.
The Black Cats made their pressure tell, though and Swedish youngster Kimpioka added a second when he turned home his ninth goal in pre-season from close range to wrap up the win.
Sunderland U23s starting XI: Stryjek, Kokolo, Hunter, Taylor, Bainbridge, Mumba, Molyneux, Connolly, Hackett, Shields, Kimpioka
Subs: Patterson, Storey, Gamble, Connelly, Young, Diamond, Bale