Aaron Connolly continued to gain minutes and momentum, scoring twice in Sunderland Under-21s' 3-2 Premier League Cup victory over Huddersfield Town. Tommy Watson was also on the scoresheet as three points were added in Group D at the John Smith's Stadium. The Black Cats flew out of the traps finding the opener after just four minutes. Watson’s initial effort was palmed away before Connolly was on hand to fire home his second goal in as many games for the Under-21s. Aaron Connolly, right place at the right time pic.twitter.com/p3js0tpbv0 — SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) October 15, 2024 Abdoullah Ba should have made it two moments later but a fine save from Francis Hurl denied the Frenchman from close range. The hosts levelled the tie with 15 minutes of the first half still to play. Abbott found himself free in the area to nod the equaliser past Kelechi Chibueze. It wasn’t long before Graeme Murty’s side regained the lead. Watson continued his fine form, nestling a curled effort into the bottom corner after a one-two exchange with Harrison Jones. Despite Connolly striking the post at the start of the second half, it was the Terriers who found the target to level the contest. Connor Falls’ long-range effort finding the net. Connolly wrapped up the victory in the final moments adding his second and Sunderland’s third. Zak Johnson’s defence-splitting pass found the frontman who dinked the ball over Hurl to seal all three points in Group D. — SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) October 15, 2024The Lads return to league action next Monday to welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers at Eppleton CW. SAFC: Chibueze, Jenson Jones (Walsh 35), Lavery, Johnson, Bennette, Burke, Middlemas, H.Jones, Watson, Ba, Connolly (Mitchell 72) Subs: Cameron, Kindon, Jaydon Jones
Would be a big loss. However, it would probably lead to some of our young players getting loan moves there which would be a positive.
Shocked to see him drop that far down the pyramid to be honest, he could do a good job in the Conference, possibly even L2, he should absolutely boss the midfield at that level. Shame really because I thought he had a real chance of making it here 12 months ago.
He's a decent player but I just don't see a championship player in him I reckon he will play L2 possibly L1 in the future Hope he smashes this loan move
Twitter doesn't show properly on my computer at work so I've been trying to guess who the player is. I give up, though!
Cheers both. Aye, it's a surprise Kelly has dropped down to there. Could it be due to being outside of the transfer window so can't loan to the conference? I don't know. Hope he takes the move by storm, anyway.
Good luck Caden, not the best deal imo., but enjoy the trip and show some of the magic, that you are undoubtedly capable off.
I'd rather our players went to "worse" levels and played regularly than what we are seeing with Young and Bainbridge who are learning new ways to sit on the subs bench.
I still think the two players will get a lot from these experiences, a part of growth for a footballer is living away from home, being around the mens game and even if that means a lot of bench time, they're still training with professionals day-in and day-out, I think Young has a realistic chance to displace Jamie Jones later in the season and I always said a dozen games for Salford's first team in league football is probably worth 50 at u19/u21 level.
Devils advocate and a massive clutch at straws but it didn’t do mayenda any harm, agree with you that I would much rather they were playing week in week out though
I agree. There are so many factors to consider and different personality types will react differently, feeling like you're failing (Mayenda sent out on loan up Scotland and then only making 2 appearances) can be a rocket up some players backsides, it can also deplete morale completely if the players personality is that way inclined. I honestly think Matty Young sitting on a first team bench in the mens game accelerates way beyond what he would have got out of 20 odd appearances for the u19s he would have had this season.
U18s at home to Man U who’ve scored 22 and only conceded 1 in 5 league games It’ll be a tough test tomorrow