Exactly what happened and who impressed as Sunderland under-23s reach play-off final with Stoke City victory

Sunderland’s under-23 side are potentially just two games away from promotion – as they head to Stoke City in a promotion play-off semi-final.
By Mark Donnelly
Published 17th May 2021, 17:22 BST
Updated 17th May 2021, 21:16 BST
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The Black Cats’ second string have enjoyed a remarkable campaign and finished their regular season in fifth place in Premier League 2 Division 2.

That meant Elliott Dickman’s side now head into the play-offs where they will face a Stoke City side who finished second in the league – with the winners going on to face either Wolves or Crystal Palace in the final.

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2,000 fans are set to attend the game as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Stoke City v Sunderland AFC U23: Team news and match updates from Premier League 2 play-off clashStoke City v Sunderland AFC U23: Team news and match updates from Premier League 2 play-off clash
Stoke City v Sunderland AFC U23: Team news and match updates from Premier League 2 play-off clash

Sunderland are likely to include the likes of Josh Hawkes, Dan Neil and Oliver Younger in their squad, while Lee Johnson could opt to use the clash as an opportunity to hand minutes to some returning first-team players.

We’ll be providing lupdates from the clash at the Bet365 Stadium throughout the evening, with team news, analysis and more from the play-off game.

FT: Stoke City 0-2 Sunderland U23 (Hawkes 57, Younger 66)

Key Events

  • Sunderland travel to Stoke City in their Premier League 2 Division 2 play-off (7pm kick-off),
  • Elliott Dickman is likely to include the likes of Josh Hawkes, Dan Neil and Oliver Younger in his side.
  • Team news is expected at 6pm.
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Related topics:Stoke CitySunderlandOliver Younger