Sunderland AFC Under-21s are back in Central League action on Tuesday as Lincoln City are the visitors at the Academy of Light. The Central League Two divisions were allocated to the North East and North West, with Sunderland joined by Notts County, Mansfield Town, Lincoln City, Huddersfield Town and Derby County. The league was formed in 1911 and in its early years consisted of a mix of senior teams and reserve teams. It gives development sides across the country the opportunity to compete in extra fixtures. Alongside Premier League 2 and the Premier League Cup, the U21s gain the experience of playing between 30-40 games in the campaign. Academy Manager, Robin Nicholls added: "We’re delighted to be involved in the Central League. The division is a great establishment, which allows our development sides to gain exposure from competing in extra fixtures. The Lads face a different set of challenges as they continue to develop across all aspects of their game." Opposition Lincoln City U21s compete in group A of the Central League with one win against Derby County from their previous four fixtures. The development side are currently led by Sam Tillen. Tillen made over 200 senior career appearances for the likes of Chelsea, Brentford and Icelandic side Fram. The 38-year-old started coaching in 2014 during a spell with another Icelandic side, FH before combining roles of youth development coach and U18 lead coach at Lincoln City in January 2024. Team news Timur Tutierov misses out due to international duty with Ukraine U19s. Ben Crompton and Michael Spellman continue their spell on the sidelines. Ellis Taylor is back on the grass following a recent injury.
Sunderland AFC U21 4-3 Lincoln City U21 Sunderland AFC Under-21s sealed a 4-3 victory in the Central League over Lincoln City at the Academy of Light. An end-to-end fixture saw Tommy Watson strike in either half with Ben Middlemas and Jaydon Jones also getting on the scoresheet. Zane Okoro grabbed a hat-trick for the visitors, but it wasn't enough to deny Graeme Murty's side all three points. Sunderland AFC: Cameron, J.Jones (Kindon), Lavery, Bell, Bainbridge (Parker), Chiabi, Burke (Jaydon Jones), Mitchell, Ryder, Middlemas (Walsh), Watson (Chung)
anks again RTB for all your good work on these threads , especially in these disruptive and phony international fiascos.
https://x.com/shanehagan24/status/1773009304431284274?s=46&t=bFwez-5oi7CdxUG56_1QKg Really looking forward to seeing more of this lad
If Clarke is a couple of weeks away and Rusyn is still struggling (as per the presser) I'd be giving this lad game time without a doubt. He is coming back from injury as well but 20 off the bench here and there would be great. He will get the crowd off their feet definitely.
Agree mate he looks lighting quick too, hopefully pick up a result or 2 soon then the likes of him and Kelly should be getting minutes
There is a few pushing on from the 21s imo. Harrison Jones has been great and so has Middlemass. Our home grown u18 lads have stepped up in a more impressive way to the 21s than the first team lads stepping down to the 21s have done imo. If that makes sense.
Completely forgot about middlemas, centre mid isn’t he? Remember his name cropping up a lot when they finished 2nd behind city last season (I think)
Yes CM. Only 18, already signed a deal until 2025. One or two more wins and we should be giving these lads some game time imo.
Hes a better natural finisher than most of the strikers at the club, unfortunately for Harry the others cost money so he has been pushed out a bit.
