Sunderland U23 2-3 West Bromwich Albion Sunderland Under-23s' winning run came to an end on Monday afternoon as West Bromwich Albion came from behind to win 3-2 at the Academy of Light. Anthony Patterson's excellent penalty save to deny Owen Windsor early on paved the way for Josh Hawkes to add another goal to his record, tapping home Chris Maguire's cross as we went in at the break a goal ahead. Two goals from Taylor Gardner-Hickman - one another penalty that he had won himself - turned the game on its head in the second half, before a Trialist midfielder levelled for the Lads following a neat shot on the turn. George Harmon however tucked away Albion's winner late on to take the three points back to the Midlands, a side-footed finish from eight yards. The young Lads lined up with Hawkes leading the attack, as Dan Neil captained the side and Maguire got 75 minutes under his belt. Ollie Younger and Patrick Almond were partners at the back, with Sam Wilding lining up against his former side in midfield. We remain ninth in Group 2 of the Premier League 2 table having suffered our first loss in six, with a visit to Norwich City next on the agenda this Friday. SUNDERLAND: Patterson; Richardson, Younger, Almond, E. Taylor; Wilding, Trialist; Wearne, Neil (c), Maguire (Harris 75'); Hawkes. Subs not used: Richardson, Beaumont, Chapman, Gardiner.
‘TOO GOOD’, ‘GET HIM IN THE TEAM’ – SOME SUNDERLAND FANS URGE LEE JOHNSON TO MAKE DRASTIC CALL AHEAD OF WIGAN TEST One of the Addicks’ goals came as a result of a Lee Burge error – a mistake that could prove costly in the club’s hopes of returning to the second tier after a three-year absence. As a result some fans have been calling for a change between the sticks. Those calls were heightened on Monday afternoon when young goalkeeper Anthony Patterson put in a stunning performance in the under-23s clash against West Brom. The 20-year-old has been limited to just two first team appearances in the Papa John’s Trophy this term, but after his spot-kick save against the Baggies some supporters are calling for him to have another opportunity in the first team. Not sure about this call, but I have thought for some time that Patterson is another one for the future if not the present, lets face it theres not much ahead of him, even though Burge has improved to the point that he is not the liability he was, he still looks suspect, on crosses and really has had little to do in recent games.
