West Brom U18s 1 Sunderland U18s 4: Embleton treble inspires magnificent victory for young Black Cats

The midfielder was outstanding and the whole team played really well, constructing flowing football that virtually destroyed the Baggies.

The first goal typified the Sunderland approach.

The ball was played out of defence by a short pass to feet by keeper James Talbot. A passing build-up followed, with the ball finally reaching striker Andrew Nelson, who slid in Embleton to go on to keep his composure and score his first from a tight angle.

For the rest of the half, the visitors were generally kept on top by this methodical approach while dealing well with the pressure that sometimes arose.

Crucially, the second goal came soon after the restart for the second period. It was scored by Dan Pybus, who thumped home a long-distance shot into the bottom corner.

On 55 minutes, more neat passing made the third goal, when good interplay in and around the box led to Embleton claiming his second.

The Wearsiders then added a fourth for good measure on 72 minutes, with Embleton claiming his magnificent hat-trick, calmly beating the keeper to his left.

West Brom did gain a consolation goal five minutes from the end when Sunderland didn’t stop a cross coming in and the ball was flicked into the net at the near post.

But it didn’t detract from what had been a brilliant display by the youths.

Coach Elliott Dickman said: “I was really pleased and delighted. It was a solid performance both with and without the ball.”

Sunderland: Talbot, Gamble, Casey, Storey, Krusnell (Hume 57), Wright, Embleton, Pybus, Poame, Maja (Molyneux 51), Nelson (Asoro).

Subs not used: Allan, Woud