With the weekend game against Oxford United postponed due to international call-ups, it gave the Black Cats youngsters a chance to shine in the EFL Trophy.
There’s also the latest injury news as a long-term absentee returned to action and the latest from those called up by their country, academy news, Ladies latest and a look at those currently out on loan.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Black Cats Youngsters Impress
Black Cats Youngsters Impress in EFL Trophy Win
Head coach Lee Johnson made several changes to his team for the trip to Lincoln City in the Papa Johns Trophy. He gave full debuts to Kenton Richardson, Harrison Sohna and Will Harris and gave other youngsters the chance to shine. In came Frederik Alves, Ollie Younger, Ellis Taylor alongside the ever-improving Dan Neil who captained the side. Denver Hume also made his return to the first team following five months out with injury.
It was captain Neil who scored the first goal of the evening with just 90 seconds gone. The midfielder picked the ball up just outside the box and scored with a powerful drive into the top corner. The Black Cats youngsters held onto their lead and doubled it in the 72nd minute. Another making his debut, Stephen Wearne came off the bench and headed the ball in from close range. City pulled a goal back but Sunderland held on for a deserved win.
Injury News: Defender Returns to Action
Defender Arbenit Xhemajli made his long-awaited return to action for Sunderland’s U23’s at the weekend. Signed in the summer of 2020, the centre-back played just one game before suffering major knee ligament damage while on international duty.
Xhemajli played 45 minutes as he begins his attempts to regain full match fitness and compete for a place in Lee Johnson’s first-team squad.
U23 coach Elliot Dickman gave his thoughts on the defenders first outing in more than a year. He said: “The 45 he played was good. He had good experience in there to help the younger players. He’s done smashing in the 45 he has played.
“At the minute, just because of the injury he has had it was planned that it was only going to be 45 minutes and then the medical staff will review that and see where he is at.”
Academy and Ladies Latest
Sunderland U23’s entertained their counterparts from Leeds United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Defender Arbenit Xhemajli started the game, his first since beginning his recovery from injury, playing 45 minutes. The Black Cats took the lead midway through the first half but United levelled before half-time. A good move and finish restored Sunderland’s lead and despite going down to ten men following a red card, they hung on for the victory.
Sunderland ladies faced Durham women in the River Wear Derby on Sunday. The Lady Black Cats were looking to bounce back following three games without a win, while Durham were looking for the victory that could take them to the top of the table. It was in form Durham who won the contest thanks to two second-half goals. The result made them league leaders with Sunderland dropping to seventh.
Internationals: How Sunderland’s Stars Got On
Young defenders Callum Doyle and Dennis Cirkin both featured for England’s U19 and U20’s respectively. Doyle played the full 90 minutes as the Three Lions suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of France. He was unused for the following game, a 3-1 win over Mexico. Cirkin played 73 minutes of the U20’s 1-1 draw with Italy. He could also be involved in Tuesday’s game in the Czech Republic.
Winger Leon Dajaku came on as a second-half substitute but could not help Germany’s U20s to a victory against Poland, with the game ending goalless. Australian defender Bailey Wright was an unused substitute as the Socceroos won 3-1. Carl Winchester and Tom Flanagan were unused subs as Northern Ireland fell to a 2-0 defeat in Switzerland. The pair could now feature in Bulgaria on Tuesday. Corry Evans, who was also called up, withdrew due to injury.
Loan Watch: Black Cats Youngsters Impress
Sunderland’s youngsters all impressed as they helped the clubs they are on loan at win at the weekend. Winger Jack Diamond scored in his second successive game and registered an assist as Harrogate Town defeated Scunthorpe United 6-1.
Josh Hawkes on loan at Tranmere Rovers also scored and provided an assist as he helped his team win 2-0 against Colchester United. Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson also had an enjoyable afternoon on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet as Notts County beat Yeovil Town 2-0.
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