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…
5. Jenson Jones
Jenson Jones started at left-back, with Blackburn's second goal coming down his side as the youngster struggled to keep his winger quiet. Improved after the break and showed some lovely flicks and touches. 7 | Sunderland's Jenson Jones - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
6. Jaydon Jones
Jaydon Jones was deployed in the number six role and played a nice line-breaking pass to his brother, Harrison Jones, before Jack Whittaker's equaliser in the first half. The midfielder put Sunderland ahead in the 20th minute with a clever finish and helped his side gain control in the game after the break, following a frantic opening stanza. 8 | Sunderland's Jaydon Jones - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
7. Harrison Jones
Harrison Jones played in midfield and misplaced an early pass, handing Blackburn a chance. Assisted Jack Whittaker's equaliser in the first half with a clever pass and scored the Black Cats' third with a superb dinked finish. Replaced at half-time. 8 | Getty Images
8. Jack Whittaker
Jack Whittaker formed part of Sunderland's three-man midfield. Pressed well after Blackburn's opener. Scored his side's equaliser with a tidy finish after 12 minutes played. Scored his side's fourth goal of the evening with a composed, instinctive finish. Sunderland's best player on the evening by a distance. 9 | Jack Whittaker