Sunderland AFC Under-21s moved into the top 12 of the Premier League 2 with a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the Stadium of Light. Following their victory against Leeds United, Sunderland made four changes to their starting XI: Ben Kindon, Kel Chibueze, Rhys Walsh, and Jack Whittaker returned to replace Joe Anderson, Harrison Jones, Tommy Watson and Dan Cameron. The home side created the game’s first opportunity, Jaydon Jones latching onto Rhys Walsh’s through ball before squaring his pass to the on-rushing Cuba Mitchell, who forced George Murray-Jones into a low save. Seconds later, Murray-Jones was tested again, the goalkeeper getting fingertips to divert Jack Whittaker’s thunderous 20-yard effort over his crossbar. The visitors came within a whisker of taking the lead on the stroke of half-time, with Josh Powell’s burst of pace and cross down the left-hand side finding the boot of Jack Nadin for what looked like a certain goal but for a last-ditch tackle from Oli Bainbridge. Sunderland ramped up the pressure and came close again when Ben Middlemas created space before delicately curling his effort inches wide of Keehan Willows’ far post. The hosts returned from the break with the bit between their teeth and almost broke the deadlock within the first couple of minutes, Jaydon Jones collecting the ball on the 18-yard box before steering his shot over Willows’ crossbar. Zyan Blake was next to come close as he jinked past his man inside the Sunderland six-yard box, but his driven effort went past the far post. Forest continued to push forward as the match entered its final 15 minutes. Substitute Jamie Newton kept Chibueze alert as his poked effort forced the goalkeeper into a smart save. Both sides continued to look lively as the match entered nine additional minutes. Firstly, Walsh fired his attempt wide for the Black Cats before Adam Berry’s long-range strike rattled Chibueze’s crossbar as the points were shared. Graeme Murty’s side are back in PL2 action on Monday evening when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground. Sunderland XI: Chibueze, Jen Jones, Bell, Kindon, Bainbridge, Middlemas, Jay Jones, Mitchell (Hester 70’), Walsh, Whittaker (Neill 90+4’), Geragusian. Subs not used: Metcalf, Holcroft, Scott.
Yeah Neill and Geragusian make a great duo, seem to understand each other's game really well. + Scott and Hester is nice to see them feature a bit I suppose.
Graeme Murty has named eight Under-18 players in the squad for tonight’s Premier League 2 fixture against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s. Here is a closer look at the Academy talents set to feature as Sunderland Under-21s aim for a strong finish to the season. Ben Metcalf Metcalf takes his place on the bench this evening after being a consistent presence for the Under-18s this season and is approaching 1,500 minutes of game time. The goalkeeper has kept four clean sheets in 16 appearances, showcasing his reliability between the posts. Since joining the Academy of Light at the Under-11’s level, he has continued to progress and is now a second-year scholar who has earned international recognition with Northern Ireland’s U19 squad. Ben Kindon The centre-back is a key leader within the Under-18 squad and recently captained the team against Middlesbrough. A strong and committed defender, Kindon joined the club at the pre-academy level and has progressed through the ranks before signing a two-year scholarship in 2023. This season, he has made 12 appearances, scoring one goal. Kindon starts alongside Luke Bell in defence. Finlay Holcroft Holcroft plays a central role in either the heart of the defence or at full back, having first joined the club at the pre-academy stage. After being released at the Under-12 level, he rejoined at Under-14 and has since established himself as a regular starter for the Under-18s. Known for his strong defensive instincts and ability to distribute the ball effectively, Holcroft has built on an impressive 2023-24 campaign, making an additional 18 appearances this season. The young Black Cat makes his debut at right back against Spurs. Archie Lightfoot Lightfoot, on the bench at Eppleton, joined the Black Cats at the pre-academy stage, the full-back has impressed coaches with his effectiveness both in and out of possession. Lightfoot’s strong performances have earned him a place on the Under-21 bench, highlighting his progression. This season, he has made 15 appearances for the Under-18s, continuing to showcase his defensive and technical qualities. Bayley Hester Hester joined the club last summer from Southampton, where he spent his entire youth career. A versatile player who is capable of operating as a full-back or winger and has made 11 appearances for the Under-18s this season and made his U21 debut against Nottingham Forest at the SoL, starts for Murty’s side against the North London opposition. A composed and assured player in possession, Hester has also represented England at the Under-15 level. Felix Scott Scott is a dynamic attacker with a keen eye for goal, capable of playing centrally and in wide positions. Having also joined the club at the pre-academy stage, he has progressed through the age groups, refining his skills along the way. A creative and forward-thinking player, Scott has made 14 appearances this season, scoring one goal and starts as the number 10 in the penultimate PL2 clash. Joe Neild Since joining the Academy at the age of nine, Neild has developed into a highly effective attacking player comfortable in both midfield and forward roles. Neild was named the 2024 Academy Player of the Year and has continued to impress this campaign, scoring three goals in 15 appearances, including a brace against Leeds United. Neild takes his place on the bench. Marcus Neill The forward arrived last summer from Liverpool; Neill, who leads the line for the U21s, is an exciting, dynamic attacker with excellent goalscoring ability. Having impressed at the Under-18 level, he has briefly appeared for the Under-21s before tonight’s fixture. To date, he has netted eight goals in 17 appearances this campaign.
Twitter.... 59' Pick that out Outrageous from Scott smashing the ball into the top corner from 20 yards out for his second of the evening!
