Sunderland Under-23s were unfortunate in succumbing to Burnley Under-23s in their league opener yesterday, missing out on points by a narrow one-goal deficit.
Senior players Remi Matthews and Conor McLaughlin - as well as summer signing Arbenit Xhemajli - all featured in head coach Elliot Dickman's selection for SAFC's away trip to Leyland, Lancashire.
Burnley took the lead early in the game due to an own goal, and Premier League regular Ashley Barnes doubled the Clarets' lead moments later on his first professional appearance since New Year's Day.
Mitchell Curry pulled one back on his debut following a tidy assist from Stephen Wearne, with Barnes extending Burnley's lead from the spot before Jack Diamond converted a penalty of his own.
Despite a narrow defeat, Dickman praised his side following the game.
"We are disappointed with the result, but the performance was good,” he said.
"We have had a turnaround of players and yesterday was the first time we have trained together as a team, but we created some really good chances.”
He continued: “All the players have come back into the club in good condition, both physically and mentally.
"The morale in the group is good and in a short space of time, we can see a good togetherness and work ethic in the group.
"Now, we need to take the positives and look forward.”
The Under-23s will return to action against Leeds United at the Academy of Light on Monday 28 September.