How did Watson look? Didn’t manage to catch it, hoping he can find some form before the seasons out looked rusty as out against Preston understandably too to be fair
The echo gave him an 8/10 rating so sounds like he had a decent game. He played 63mins before being replaced.
We need to get Geragusian into the first team fold asap. Looks a real talent, and also very versatile. He could be a secret weapon going into the playoffs.
What a prospect this lad is . he completely outshone Watson last night, and playing wide right one of our weakest positions atm. , Ithink 8/10 flattered Watson a bit tbh , Finn was a nailed on 9/10 . .3 goals would have been the icing on the cake and he went very close
Match report Sunderland AFC Under-21s returned to winning ways in the Premier League 2 with a 3-0 victory over Leeds United at Eppleton CW. A first-half double from Finn Geragusian put the Lads into a comfortable lead at the break, before captain Harrison Jones sealed victory after neatly dispatching a third goal inside the final 15 minutes. Tommy Watson returned to Under-21 action in a bid to step up his match fitness as Graeme Murty made five changes to his starting XI. Joe Anderson, Jaydon Jones, Dan Cameron, and Harrison Jones all started. After picking up the ball on the left and skipping past his man, Watson created the game's first opportunity, but the winger drilled his shot wide of Darryl Ombang’s near post. The host continued to push forward in search of an opening goal, Cuba Mitchell was quickest to collect a loose ball before manoeuvring space and forcing Ombang into a comfortable save. Sunderland came within inches of taking the lead after a dazzling run by Ben Middlemas; the midfielder skilfully advanced past three Leeds players before playing a neat one-two with Harrison Jones, but Ombang was down low to deny what would have been a superb goal. Ombang was called into action again seconds later to deny Watson but was unable to prevent Geragusian from a simple close-range tap-in on 40 minutes following a goalmouth scramble. Geragusian was at the double in a matter of minutes, this time latching onto the end of Harrison Jones’ through-ball before cooly side-footing past Ombang on 41 minutes from 12 yards out. After the interval, Sunderland were in the mood for more goals; Watson forced Ombang into a fingertip save in the opening stages after some neat build-up play from Jaydon Jones and Geragusian on the edge of the Leeds box. Middlemas carved open the visitor’s defence again on the hour mark, picking out Geragusian, but the strikers drilled effort curling just wide of Ombang’s far post. Substitute Elias Lenz almost introduced himself to the match in perfect fashion, but the midfielder’s fizzing attempt from the edge of the box came crashing back off Ombang’s crossbar. Harrison Jones added a deserved third goal for the hosts on 75 minutes after being found in space by Jenson Jones inside the Leeds danger area before calmly controlling the ball and trashing his strike past Ombang. Harrison Jones, who operated as a makeshift forward throughout the match, should have bagged himself a brace after going through one-on-one, but he dragged his shot wide after beating Ombang. Next up for the Lads is the visit of Nottingham Forest in the Premier League 2. SAFC XI: Cameron, Jen Jones, Anderson, Bell, Bainbridge, Middlemas, Jay Jones (Lavery 63’), Mitchell (Lenz 63’), Watson (Whittaker 63’), Geragusian, H. Jones © Subs not used: Metcalf, Kindon.
Could always surprise and take to mens football easily but i think it should be more a case of as soon as reasonable and not possible. His first season at u21 level and not even a full one at that since he moved up to replace Ogunsuyi being in the first team squads, for me hes too raw to be throwing in at the deep end right now and consistent minutes at u21 to finish this season could help him work on those areas they are coaching. Hopefully could help him be in a good position come next season to start knocking on the door to be around the first team squad.
Give him a run out Roberts 60 minutes Fin 30 . Riggy was a star first 10 games of the season , so why cant Finn be, its worth a try.. .
if that was the first time i had seen watson i would be wondering what all the fuss is about, he looked a little slow and too 'ball greedy' taking a shot rather than looking for a pass but we all know how he can change a game with his running and movement, decent game and obviously getting back up to speed. would love to see finn and olly having a run in pre-season as i think they could be the next two to get a little step up.
cheers mate! It’s great having so many coming through that should forge careers whether that’s here or elsewhere
When I was on the stadium tour the other week, the guide said only 0.1% of kids work their way up to play for the first team. Whether that's right or not I don't know but it shows how hard it is to get there. I think the way we train youngsters are beneficial so if they don't make it here, they can still have a football career - that can only be a good thing
Andy’s Player Ratings: Sunderland U21s 3-0 Leeds U21s https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/20...u21s-geragusian-shines-again-for-the-youngins Dan Cameron: 6/10 Barely a save to make in a dominant home performance, there were a few misplaced kicks but otherwise a very quiet game. Jenson Jones: 7/10 Comfortable both at right back and further forward after Lavery’s arrival. Joe Anderson: 8/10 Mopped up well at the back, made a few good blocks after the break when Leeds tried to get back into the game. Luke Bell: 7/10 Defended well and unlucky not to score after seeing two headers from corners go close, one just over in the first half and then another just wide near the end. Olly Bainbridge: 7/10 Not really tested at left back but was good on the ball, was more involved in attacks following Watson’s departure and was very close to scoring following Lenz’s effort off the bar. Ben Middlemas: 9/10 Very good display in midfield, was excellent at turning away from the Leeds players and starting attacks and almost always played the right ball to a teammate around the box, unlucky to not get an assist or two. Jaydon Jones: 7/10 Used the ball well, closed down the opposition quickly any time they got the ball and gave them no time to breathe. Cuba Mitchell: 7/10 Buzzed around just in front of the Leeds defence, linking up play and causing problems. Had a few shots but never quite caught any of them properly. Tommy Watson: 7/10 Still feeling his way back to full fitness and obviously not quite in full flow yet but still caused Leeds problems on the ball and went close to scoring on more than one occasion. Finn Geragusian: 9/10 In the right place at the right time for his first goal, lofting the ball into the roof of the next following a scramble and then a real striker’s finish for his second, running onto Harrison Jones’ ball and firing in the corner. Had a few opportunities to get his hattrick but couldn’t quite find the finish. Harrison Jones: 9/10 Played as a false 9 and worked extremely hard off the ball to close down the defence but also caused all sorts of problems around the box. Scored one with a clever finish, set up Geragusian for his second and should have got a second himself when Middlemas sent him away but his early effort went just wide. Substitutes Tom Lavery: 6/10 A tidy display after coming on, had to be alert at times with Leeds trying to get back into the game. Jack Whittaker: 7/10 Picked out Jones for the third goal and was a nuisance to the Leeds defenders. Elias Lenz: 7/10 Almost scored with his very first touch when he smashed an effort off the cross bar, protected the defence well following his arrival. Man of the Match: Finn Geragusian Both Ben Middlemas and Harrison Jones had excellent games too but Finn has to be my man of the match following his two goal display. Unlucky not to score a hattrick but was a massive problem for Leeds all evening, not just with his goalscoring exploits but worked very hard off the ball too.
Thats a really accurate report on what I saw thanks for posting,. PS I had tried reading the Sunderland Echo effort and gave up after a frustrating waste of time , what a poor excuse that once great local paper now is.
As part of EFL Youth Development Week, we’re taking a closer look at some of the Academy of Light graduates who have gone on to make their mark in the professional game. Today, we catch up with Luke Molyneux – a boyhood Sunderland fan who completed his dream of playing for the Black Cats before carving out a successful career elsewhere. From the age of 13, Luke Molyneux was living the dream. Stepping through the doors of the Academy of Light for the first time, he could barely contain his excitement. The goal was simple: to one day wear the red and white shirt of Sunderland AFC at the Stadium of Light. Fast forward to the present day, and Luke has built a career to be proud of. After making his Sunderland debut, he has gone on to represent clubs like Hartlepool United and Doncaster Rovers, but he has never forgotten where it all began. “It was an unbelievable feeling walking into the Academy for the first time,” Luke recalls. “As a kid, all you want is to play football, and to be part of Sunderland’s setup from such a young age was incredible. I just wanted to make the most of every session and prove I belonged there.” The journey from Academy hopeful to first-team footballer wasn’t easy, but the support network around him made all the difference. Coaches like Elliott Dickman and Carlton Fairweather played vital roles in shaping the player and person he would become. “They were brilliant with me,” Luke says. “They knew how to push you without overwhelming you, and they really helped me understand the game better. It wasn’t just about technical ability – it was about mindset, discipline, and being prepared to work harder than anyone else. I owe them a lot.” Progressing through the age groups, Luke rubbed shoulders with some of Sunderland’s most exciting prospects. One name that sticks in his mind is Dan Neil, who was already making waves in the Under-21s at just 16. “Dan was phenomenal. He just had this natural ability and confidence that made him stand out. To see how well he’s doing now is no surprise at all. You could tell he was going to go far.” Luke’s proudest moment came when he made his first-team debut, realising a lifelong ambition to represent his boyhood club. “It’s something I’ll never forget. Walking out onto the pitch in front of the fans – it’s what you dream of as a kid. That moment made all the hard work worth it.” After leaving Sunderland, Luke took the next step in his career at Hartlepool United before moving to Doncaster Rovers, where he continues to apply the values instilled in him at the Academy of Light. “The Academy gave me the foundation I needed, not just as a footballer but as a person,” Luke reflects. “Even now, I still get messages from some of the coaches checking in on how I’m doing. That support doesn’t just stop when you leave – it stays with you.” As he continues his journey in the professional game, Luke Molyneux remains grateful for the place where it all began and takes pride in the path he’s carved out. “It’s been a brilliant journey so far, and I’m still pushing myself to achieve more. I’ll always be proud to say I came through Sunderland’s Academy – it’s shaped me in so many ways.”
Thanks for sharing.. I remembering Luke in temp manager Robbie Stockdales only team selection against Wolves in last game of 2017/18t season when we won 3 -0 . Then Luke came on as a late sub, in the first game of the 2018/19 season. and started the move leading to Gooch scoring the dramatic winner against Charlton . But by then Jack Ross had taken over in the summer spelling the premature end for both Stockdale and Molyneux at Sunderland. I thought both moves were wrong at the time, and still do. PS In that Charlton game another Luke, a certain Mr O'Nien made his debut , and was subbed at half time for Jerome Sinclair who was then himself subbed for Luke Molyneux. A case of Like for Luke .
