Sunderland AFC Under-21s exited the Premier League Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Burnley in the round of 16. Tom Tweedy got the only goal of the game as the Clarets sealed their place in the quarter finals at Victory Park. Graeme Murty named Ben Middlemas as his captain in a side that saw Cuba Mitchell return after a five-month injury absence. The Lads started the stronger of the two sides with a flurry of chances in the opening ten minutes. Luke Bell was first up, volleying wide from the corner routine before Timur Tutierov struck the post from close range. It was the hosts that took the lead with 18 on the clock. Tweedy bundled the ball home at the back post. Tutietrov again involved as the Black Cats pushed for an equaliser. The Ukrainian international had two efforts blocked off the line as the game entered its final third. The chances kept coming with 15 minutes to play as half-time substitute, Jaydon Jones, flashed wide from 10 yards out. Despite the attacking threat, the hosts held their lead to confirm the one-goal victory. Murty's side return to PL2 action next Monday to host Leeds United at Eppleton CW. SAFC: Chibueze, Lavery (Kindon 70), Bell, Bainbridge, Jenson Jones, Middlemas, Mitchell (Jaydon Jones 45), Whittaker (Chungh 80), Walsh (Lenz 80), Tutirerov, Geragusian Unused subs: Cameron
A fair few playing regularly for 21s though, which is a positive. I assume the 18s will have a few u16s lads in there.