Derby County U18 3-1 Sunderland U18
Sunderland under-18s returned to league action on Saturday with a bump as Derby County collected all three points on home soil.
A brace from Eiran Cashin and an own-goal saw Justin Walker’s side secure victory after dominating for much of the game.
The young Black Cats went into Saturday’s game riding high after sealing their place in round two of the FA Youth Cup following victory over Halifax Town.
However, Ryan Leonard, who scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot, didn’t feature as he played for Elliott Dickman’s under-23s the night before away at Fulham.
In windy conditions in the East Midlands, the Rams took control of the fixture inside 10 minutes as Jaden Charles’ arrowed corner was met by Cashin, and his header looped into the opposite corner.
Jack Stretton then went close to doubling his side’s lead. Connor Dixon streamed forward from midfield, floated in a cross towards Stretton but he couldn’t keep his effort down as it rose over the bar.
Sunderland were left kicking themselves again, just a minute into the second 45. This time a quickly taken free-kick caught the Lads out and Connor Slack was helpless to preventing it roll into his own net.
Paul Bryson’s side responded, though, through Lilyan Compper’s intelligent finish before Cashin restored the Rams’ two-goal cushion when his fired cross found the bottom corner.
Sunderland U18: Cameron, Ord, Howard, Smith (Miller, 46), Scothern, Lilley, Best, Compper, Bell (Krakue, 78), Slack (Crouch, 52)
Subs not used: Bond, Jones
