Exactly what happened and who impressed as Sunderland under-23s reach play-off final with Stoke City victory
and live on Freeview channel 276
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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Hide Ad2,000 fans are set to attend the game as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
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.
57 - GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!! HAWKESSSSSS!
SUNDERLAND LEAD!!
And who else but Hawkes?
Some great work from Dyce out wide to retain possession saw him burst forward and, while his cross was poor, it deflected kindly for Hawkes - who steadied himself before striking into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
The shot lacked power but it was right in the corner and Hemfrey couldn’t keep it out.
1-0!
66 - GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL! YOUNGEEEEERRRRRR!!
IT’S TWO FOR SUNDERLAND!!
And what a header that is!
Some clever work from Wearne out wide wins the visitors a free-kick which Hawkes whips in.
It’s a superb delivery, and Younger gets a glancing header on it which flies into the top corner.
2-0!
67 - Play is yet to resume here
There’s a Stoke man down and receiving treatment, and the stretcher has been called for.
70 - Play is still yet to resume here
The Stoke man is being lifted onto the stretcher now, as Adam Porter prepares to enter the fray.