Maybe should have played in this game or better still Defoe given a run out, would lift the kids . Alright talking the talk but losing becomes a habit , and confidence drains away, no good at any level imo
Sunderland Under-23s were beaten by Stoke City in the Premier League 2 Division 2 at Eppleton.
A double from Douglas James-Taylor and an early goal from Emre Tezgel sealed the victory for the Potters.
Stoke controlled the first half and took an early lead, as Tezgel opened the scoring for the away side in the 11th minute.
The visitors doubled their tally in the 28th minute as Zak Johnson brought down a Stoke player in the box, and James-Taylor tucked the penalty away.
Carney was called into action on numerous occasions in the first half, making some great saves to deny Stoke a further advantage, most notably a brilliant double-save 34 minutes in.
The Young Lads came out stronger early in the second half, with Patrick Roberts stealing the ball on the half-way line and driving towards goal before playing in Caden Kelly, but his shot went wide of the right post.
Tom Scott found Roberts again on the right wing, with the winger cutting inside and unleashing a curling shot just past the far post.
Carney made another brilliant save to deny James-Taylor as the two players continued their battle in the second half.
James-Taylor eventually got his second of the game in the 82nd minute to secure the points for Stoke.
The U23s have a two-week break before their next fixture as they travel to Nottingham Forest.
Sunderland AFC: Carney, Trialist A, Kachosa, Kelly, Johnson, Trialist B, Roberts (Gardiner 63’), Scott, Gyimah, Taylor ©, Trialist C.
Subs not used: Richardson, Jones, Fieldson, Burke.