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…
9. Finn Geragusian
Finn Geragusian started on the right-hand side of Sunderland's attack but struggled to find a rhythm during the first half, though he very nearly found the net with a header. Seldom, though, have I seen a player run as hard as he does. Amazing work rate and always makes a menace of himself. 7 | Finn Geragusian by Ben Cuthbertson
10. Milan Aleksic
Milan Aleksic started on the left-wing and assisted Jaydon Jones to put Sunderland ahead in the first half with a lovely curled ball into the box. His crossing from the flank was a constant threat, and he played a role in his side's third goal of the evening. Came off in the 62nd minute. 8 | Chris Fryatt
11. Ahmed Abdullahi
Ahmed Abdullahi was deployed in the number nine position but didn't see a great deal of the ball early on. Put himself about and worked hard. Came off with 74 minutes played. Decent shift. 7 | Sunderland's Ahmed Abdullahi - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
12. Tom Proctor
Tom Proctor came on as a substitute at half-time and made a positive contribution, crossing in a dangerous ball which was fumbled by Blackburn's keeper for Sunderland's fourth goal. 8 | Tom Proctor