Still flying high. Showing the first team how its done. Everton U23 0-1 Sunderland U23 Sunderland under-23s produced a masterclass display to move top of the Premier League 2 and end Everton’s unbeaten start to the season at Goodison Park on Tuesday. The young Black Cats were under the cosh for large spells as Everton’s Kieran Dowell sent number of efforts fizzing towards Sunderland’s goal early on. Max Stryjek proved tough to beat in goal while Rees Greenwood and George Honeyman saw efforts blocked at the other end in an action packed opening half. Everton controlled the general flow of the second period but Sunderland again made themselves tough to break down as they patiently waited for their moment to pounce. A flurry of chances from Ethan Robson and Greenwood saw the lads’ sense blood, and with 71 minutes on the clock George Brady came up from the back to head Sunderland into a narrow lead. From there on Everton laid siege on Sunderland’s goal and while Michael Ledger was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the closing stages, Sunderland hung onto clinch a hard fought three points. Both teams went into the fixture undefeated in the Premier League 2, Everton boasted a 100% record of five straight wins in all competitions and sat two points clear of the young Black Cats at the top of the league. So to counter Everton’s threat, Andy Welsh named three central defenders in his starting XI with Tom Beadling recalled to make his first appearance of the campaign after recovering from injury. Meanwhile, David Unsworth fielded an equally strong starting line-up which included first-team players Mason Holgate and Joel Robles to help the league-leaders get off to a flying start. Sunderland under-23s starting XI:Stryjek, J Robson, T Robson, Beadling (Wright, 79), Brady, Ledger (red card, 92), Embleton (Lawson, 84), E Robson, Honeyman, Greenwood, Maja (Nelson, 58)
Good thread - l've said U23 team our best chance of silverware this season (was tongue in cheek but ....?)
The future looks bright for some of these lads, it would be great to see one or two a year come through and atm it looks a distinct possibility. Watmore lead the way and Pickering,Gooch and Asoro have impressed me this season in what has been a very difficult start. I am sure all four will have an important part to play this season and hopefully go on to play their parts in the long overdue Sunderland AFC Renaissance.
Just for info. They are playing at the SOL today. If anyone wanted to see a game. Sunderland under-23s host Manchester City in the Premier League 2 at the Stadium of Light this Sunday, KO 12pm. The Young Black Cats moved top of the league on Tuesday evening following a hard fought 1-0 victory against a previously undefeated Everton side. And that result has added further steel to the development team's strong start to the campaign, as they have won three of their opening four fixtures. Entry to the game is free for SAFC season card holders on production of their valid 2016-17 season card. Entry for non-season card holders is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s, available via cash sales on the day of the game.Turnstiles 1-8 and 17-24 will open from 11am.
