Jack Diamond on the scoresheet and an injury scare: How Sunderland's U23 season opener played out

Burnley striker Ashley Barnes proved the difference, the experienced campaigner scoring a brace as he began his comeback from a hernia problem.

Sunderland used the game to improve the match fitness of a number of players looking to fight their way into Phil Parkinson's XI.

Remi Matthews, Conor McLaughlin and Arbenit Xhemajli all completed 90 minutes, as did Diamond and attacking midfielder Dan Neil.

Burnley opened the scoring after an own goal from Morgan Feeney, who was immediately substituted with a hamstring problem.

Barnes then extended the lead before Mitch Curry scored on his Sunderland debut to reduce the deficit.

A second-half penalty ffrom Barnes restored the home side's two-goal advantage, befor Diamond converted a penalty that he had won to set up a tense finale.

Diamond almost rescued a point with a late header but Burnley held to secure three points.

Sunderland's strong XI reflected Parkinson's wish to make the U23s operate as a 'reserve team' this year.

They are set to mirror his preferred style and systems throughout the campaign, and there will be prominent roles for Neil and Diamond in the coming months.

Parkinson has said that they will work with his group until January, at which point a loan could be considered if they have not broken through into his side.

Until then, they will look to try and improve the results of a side which did not win a league game last year and has been badly affected by a number of player departures.

The game came just too soon for Elliot Embleton, who has nearly recovered from a thigh problem.

Parkinson says he must feature for the U23s to build match fitness before he can be considered for selection.

Summer signings Kenton Richardson and Josh Hawkes did not feature after their arrival from Hartlepool United, but are set for prominent roles.

Speaking last week, Parkinson said: "We've brought in players for the U23 team who want to push to be involved in the first team.

“The two lads from Hartlepool, Morgan Feeney, and that's important for the club.

“It's important for the progression of the academy because if you have players in the U18 team who you want to step up, it's very difficult when that U23 team is being beaten convincingly every week.

“We want that team to be almost like a reserve team where there is that integration of players.

"Myself, Jim Rodwell, the board and academy staff have been discussing all summer how we want the U23s to play the same shape as the first team and want that crossover between the two teams, and in turn also strengthen that team up as well because we want to be more competitive.”

Benji Kimpioka remains absent, having not agreed a new deal. His previous contract expired earlier in the summer.

Burnley: Jensen; Elva-Fountaine, Rooney, Trialist (Barrett 25), Rain; Tucker, Rickard, Woods, Richardson; Barnes (Harker 61), Thompson (Conn-Clarke 61).

Substitutes: Richter, Diallo.

Sunderland: Matthews, McLaughlin, Dunn, Feeney (Beaumont 6), Taylor, Xhemajli, Diamond, Hackett, Curry (Harris 80), Neil, Wearne.

Substitutes: Patterson, Wilding.

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