Good game. Could've been a lot more comfortable in the scoreline if they took their chances. Ahmed looked a handful
I wasnt down at Eppleton tonight but couldn't resist chirping into the YouTube chat There was a Chelsea fan in there somewhere, I think they must have a player on loan at Colchester. I tried my best to raise the profile of a few of our young lads with fans who might not have heard of them The curry and chips are lovely BTW
Ahmed Abdullahi struck twice as Sunderland Under-21s claimed a 2-1 victory over Colchester United in the Premier League Cup, despite playing much of the second half with ten men following Ben Kindon’s red card. The forward returned to action after a spell on the sidelines, with Harrison Jones also featuring as the Lads looked to build momentum in Group H. Sunderland dominated the opening 45 minutes, registering 15 shots as they piled pressure on the visitors. Timur Tutierov was a constant threat, forcing several smart saves from the Colchester goalkeeper as the hosts pressed for the breakthrough. It arrived on 39 minutes when Jack Whittaker drove down the right and cut the ball back for Abdullahi, who swept a first-time finish into the bottom corner to put the Lads in front. Early in the second half, Sunderland were reduced to ten men as Kindon was shown a straight red card on 51 minutes for pulling back a Colchester forward. Despite the setback, the young Black Cats continued to threaten and almost doubled their lead just after the hour mark. Harry Lightfoot’s dangerous cross was met by Tutierov, only for a Colchester defender to clear off the line. The second goal came on 65 minutes when Ben Middlemas surged forward through midfield before threading a perfect pass into Abdullahi’s path. The striker rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home his second of the night. Colchester pulled one back with 14 minutes to play, as Kai Martin converted from the penalty spot on 76 minutes, but Sunderland stood firm. The visitors were also reduced to ten men in stoppage time when Kurainashe Musanhi brought down Abdullahi as he raced through on goal. Victory sends Sunderland top of Group H, ahead of Bromley, as Graeme Murty’s side continue their strong start in the competition. SAFC: Metcalf, Jenson Jones, Kindon, Neild, Lightfoot, Jaydon Jones, Harrison Jones (Scott), Middlemas, Whittaker (Holcroft), Tutierov (Moore), Abdullahi. Unused subs: Allan, Walsh.
A very impressive performance, with a poor ref not quite managing to ruin the night, despite a very biased performance. Well done to all concerned in keeping control to the end, it really sums us up these days. OaU.
A few more 90mins' in the legs for Abdullahi and he could be a useful option from the bench for the 1st team.
We could have won by 4 or 5 on the back of a very impressive performance last night, and yes 4 decent strikers would be very handy Not forgetting Trey either he is at the cross roads atm , its up to them of course and a bit of luck really but it looks very healthy atm. Crickey , looking back over the recent past its chalk and cheese up front. On a different note watched Jack Clarke last night ,he looks out of place at Ipswich , he would be a nice Xmas present imo if all things were equal.
Good plan for Abdullahai on the bench. If he can get a few mins on the pitch it might help to attract a better loan move in January.
