Sunderland AFC Under-21s suffered a 1-0 defeat to West Ham United in the Premier League 2. Josh Ajala scored the only goal of the game to seal the three points for the hosts at Rush Green. Graeme Murty named Ahmed Abdullahi in the starting eleven for his first appearance in red and white. Oli Bainbridge also started following his return from Kilmarnock. In a tight-contested fixture, it was Abdullahi who created the opening opportunity, flashing a long-range effort into the arms of Finlay Herrick. Kelechi Chibueze was called into action, denying Kamarai Swyer from close range to keep the game level going into the break. The Hammers took the lead with 20 minutes left to play. A quick breakaway saw Ajala run through on goal and slot the ball home. The Lads continued to push in the final moments. Ben Middlemas' wayward effort was followed by Jenson Jones' low strike which was well saved by Herrick. Despite the attacking threat, West Ham held on to claim three points and jump above Sunderland in the league table. SAFC: Chibueze, Lavery, Bell, Anderson, Bainbridge, Middlemas, Jaydon Jones, Whittaker (Neild 85), Jenson Jones, Walsh (Chungh 80), Abdullahi (Geragusian 45) Subs: Cameron, Holcroft, Neild, Chungh, Geragusian
.... Murty continued: "This is a time for us to integrate our younger players. We are so pleased for Harrison and Trey. This is what we want to see. We want them to be involved with the first team and that's how the cycle works. "We have a very young squad; Finn Gergausian at 16 now playing regular U21 football. It will take these lads a little time to catch up to the technicality and the pace of the game but you can see the development game by game. "I want to see a reaction on Wednesday. It will be a different type of game but one we will prepare well for. "Me and John (Hewitson) can give them all the tools they need. We can show them every bit of analysis but when they cross the white line, they have to take the responsibility and show that we are Sunderland AFC. "The experience of playing against European competition is invaluable but we are there to win the game and hopefully progress. "It will be a tough test but one we are looking forward to." Tickets for Wednesday's fixture are now available. Season ticket holders go free but must claim a seat online. Purchase here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/safc/EDP/Event/Index/2601
Poveda involved with the 21s on Wednesday Tempted to ask the bookies for a price on him going off injured. Odds on?
Seelt, Aleksic, Poveda and Abullahi all start.... https://x.com/AcademyOfLight/status/1882126208663769206?t=B1qAf5PWPG5JNzWT7s1Xnw&s=19
