Sunderland U21s were back in action at the Stadium of Light as they faced Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League Cup semi-final, with a place in the final on the line.
Graeme Murty’s side came into the tie looking to continue an impressive run in the competition, having already seen off Nottingham Forest and Watford in the knockout stages. There was a strong line-up on show, with the likes of Milan Aleksic and Ahmed Abdullahi included as Sunderland aimed to take another step towards silverware.
The young Black Cats had also secured their place in the end-of-season Premier League 2 play-offs in the days leading up to the fixture, adding further context to what has been a promising campaign. Blackburn, meanwhile, arrived on Wearside hoping to upset the hosts and book their own place in the final, setting up what promised to be a competitive and high-stakes encounter under the lights.
After a breathless first half that saw Sunderland lead 3-2, the Black Cats pulled clear after the break to seal a 4-2 win over Blackburn Rovers in the PL Cup semi-final, booking their place in the final thanks to a Jack Whittaker double and goals from brothers Jaydon Jones and Harrison Jones.
Here’s how the Sunderland players rated…
1. Joe Cowan
Joe Cowan got the nod in goal for the semi-final and produced a comfortable save within the first minute. Looked like he could have done better with Blackburn's second of the evening. Improved as the contest went on and looked assured by the end of the clash. Decent display. 7 | Ben Cuthbertson.
2. Finlay Holcroft
Finlay Holcroft started at right-back, with Blackburn's opening goal coming down his side within four minutes. Like Sunderland, the full-back improved defensively in the second half. 7 | Finlay Holcroft
3. Alex Lienard
Alex Lienard started at centre-back and should have done better for Blackburn's opener. Improved as the first half went on and displayed some really confident passing. Was a threat in the opposition box after the break and coped really well with Blackburn's attack as the game wore on. 7 | Alex Lienard
4. Ben Kindon
Ben Kindon also started at centre-back and should have done better for Blackburn's opener, too! His passing from the back helped Sunderland turn the game back in their favour during the opening 45. Unlucky not to score with a bullet header in the first half. Improved defensively in the second half. Assured and measured. 7 | Sunderland's Ben Kindon - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson