Sunderland under-21s thrashed Leeds United 3-0 at Eppleton CW in the Premier League 2 on Monday evening.
A first-half double from Finn Geragusain gave the Black Cats a commanding half-time lead before Harrison Jones bagged a third during the second stanza.
Sunderland came into the fixture having been knocked out of the Premier League Cup away to Burnley a week ago. Murty's side was 15th in the division ahead of the clash but jumped up to 12th position with the win. A top 12 finish will secure qualification to the PL International Cup, while the top 16 ensures a Premier League 2 play-off spot at the end of the season.
Tommy Watson was named in the XI as he stepped up his recovery from injury. The winger also played in the second half against Coventry City on Saturday in the Championship. Joe Anderson started in defence, with youth goalkeeper Dan Cameron also getting the nod in goal after concluding a loan switch to Hebburn Town last week on a dual registration deal.
Harrison Jones started as Sunderland’s number nine on the night, with Cuba Mitchell operating behind the striker. The Black Cats had the better of the first half against the Whites, with Geragusian giving Murty’s side the lead with five minutes of the opening 45 left to play with a point-blank finish. The 17-year-old, who started the game on the right flank, doubled his tally and Sunderland’s lead just seconds after the restart after Harrison Jones’ clever pass.
The visitors hit the post as the second half drew to a close, and goalkeeper Cameron was lucky his lax pass didn’t lead to a goal, but Sunderland exited the pitch at half-time with a deserved two-goal cushion. There were no changes from Sunderland at half-time, but the Whites opted to replace Josh McDonald for Ollie Pickles as the teams emerged for the second stanza, with Leeds winning a corner straight from the kick-off as they looked to get a goal back quickly.
Watson came close for the Black Cats in the 50th minute, with Leeds’ goalkeeper producing an exceptional save to deny the winger, who fired another two at the opposition goal in the minutes following but saw his efforts saved once again. Leeds made another two subs in the 57th minute, with Max McFadden replaced by Will Firth and Harvey Vincent coming off for Joel Richards as they attempted to turn the tide.
Just seconds later, Middlemas played a superb ball through to Geragusian, who dragged his shot just wide of the post on the angle. In the 63rd minute, Murty opted for a triple substitution with Watson, Mitchell and Jaydon Jones replaced by Jack Whittaker, Tom Lavery and Elias Lenz. It took seconds for Lenz to make his presence known after the German midfielder rattled the bar with a shot. Shortly after, Harrison Jones netted Sunderland’s third after being set up by Jenson Jones. Harrison Jones then could have scored another shortly after but missed a one-on-one chance.
Leeds huffed and puffed but couldn’t get their goal after a resolute Sunderland display in the second half, with the Wearsiders never really troubled in what was a routine win for Murty’s side in front of 379 fans. Sunderland play Nottingham Forest next up at the Stadium of Light in a couple of weeks on Friday April 4th at 7pm.
Here, James Copley rates each Sunderland player as the Black Cats took on Leeds United in the Premier League 2 on Monday night:
9. Tommy Watson
Started on the left for Graeme Murty's side and was very bright during the opening period of the game. Came close with three shots in the second half before being subbed in the 63rd minute. A good run out for the first-team winger, who is looking sharper. 8 Photo: Stu Forster
10. Finn Geragusian
Was deployed on the right-hand side of Sunderland's attack and scored two goals in the first half. The opener was an instinctive finish on the line before he curled the second into the net around a minute later with his left foot. Another fantastic display by the 17-year-old. 9 | Finn Geragusian - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
11. Harrison Jones
Started up front with the number nine shirt on his back and assisted Geragusian for Sunderland's second goal. Adapted really well to the new role and looked very good throughout, scoring Sunderland's third goal of the evening. He probably should have had another soon after but missed the one-on-one. A fantastic showing by the young attacker. 9 | Sunderland's Harrison Jones - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson Photo: Sunderland's Harrison Jones - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
12. Sunderland's Tom Lavery - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
Came on and played right-back in the second-half and coped well against a Leeds side desperate to score. 6 | Sunderland's Tom Lavery - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson Photo: Sunderland's Tom Lavery - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson