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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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.
82 - Not long to go now...
Sunderland are potentially under ten minute away from the promotion play-off final.
What an achievement that would be!
86 - Stoke are having a spell of pressure
But Sunderland are defending admirably and keeping their hosts at bay.
Stoke are committing plenty of bodies forward but the backline is holding strong for now...
89 - A big chance for the hosts!
That was almost the goal that Stoke needed.
A deep cross from the left was nodded back across goal and Porter met it on the spin - but could only blaze his shot well over from close range.
90 - Sunderland are going to make a change...
Dyce is coming off, with Dunne ready to replace him.
The trialist went down and Sunderland aren’t taking any risks.
90 - More superb defending!
Almond again slides in to block a Stoke shot after a corner fell kindly for Sparrow.
The hosts pushing forward but time is running out...
FT: STOKE 0-2 SUNDERLAND!
THEY’VE DONE IT!
The under-23 side are in the play-off final!
Goals from Josh Hawkes and Oliver Younger see the Black Cats beat the side who finished three places above them in the regular season.
What a win!