A determined Sunderland U21 side came from behind to beat Reading and extend their lead at the top of Premier League table. Harry Cardwell put Reading ahead moments before half-time in what was an end to end first 45 minutes but second-half goals from Rees Greenwood and Valentin Roberge gave Sunderland a deserved victory. please log in to view this image Liam Agnew agonisingly hit the post from the penalty spot after Andrew Nelson was brought down in the box but it didn’t matter as the young Black Cats held on to deny their fellow title challengers. In a game of few chances there was little to note from the early first half exchanges, Greenwood having Sunderland’s best chance but couldn’t connect with Charis Mavrias’ cross. Reading responded well and piled on the pressure, hitting the post after a scramble in the box and four minutes before the break made the breakthrough as Cardwell found a way past one of the best defences in the league. Sunderland came out in the second half a lot stronger, Greenwood and Martin Smith both testing the Reading keeper Stuart Moore. The Black Cats then drew level when man of the match Greenwood ended a good run with a brilliant effort, slotting the ball past Moore. The table topping outfit then took the lead when Roberge was able to flick on a corner which only narrowly crossed the line. Captain Agnew had the chance to extend the lead from the spot but shaved the post and despite late pressure from the visitors held on for the three points. The win leaves the side a huge eight points clear of second placed Tottenham Hotspur at the halfway stage of the season, although Spurs have two games in hand and Manchester United – currently in eighth – have six games. The young Black Cats have extended their impressive run, losing just three times in their last 22 competitive fixtures. Sunderland’s final game before Christmas sees them travel to relegation favourites Norwich on Monday December 14 with the Canaries have picking up just 10 points from their 10 ten games. Sunderland: Stryjek, J Robson, T Robson, Ledger, Roberge, Greenwood, Mavrias (Lawson), E Robson, Agnew, Smith (Wright), Nelson (Brady) Unused subs: Purvis, Pybus.
