Matthias Jaissle watches as Juan Riquelme Angulo features in Sunderland U21s’ late Newcastle United derby heartbreak
Juan Riquelme Angulo featured as Sunderland U21s twice lost the lead in a 3-2 derby defeat at Newcastle United
Sunderland U21s twice surrendered the lead as Newcastle United fought back to win a five-goal derby at St James’ Park, with Juan Riquelme Angulo playing the opening half for the visitors.
Goals from Trey Ogunsuyi and Felix Scott put Sunderland ahead either side of Kyran Thompson’s equaliser, but Newcastle substitutes Park Seung-soo and Vakhtang Salia turned the contest around to secure a 3-2 victory.
It was a frustrating outcome for Matt Craddock’s side, who had opportunities to establish a stronger advantage before the hosts completed their comeback in front of more than 5,000 spectators. Newcastle first-team head coach Matthias Jaissle was also in attendance as their youngsters claimed their first Premier League 2 victory of the season.
For Sunderland, there were positives in the finishing of Ogunsuyi and Scott, the delivery of Tom Proctor and several important interventions from goalkeeper Isaac Allan. However, their inability to protect either lead ultimately proved costly.
Juan Riquelme Angulo gets first-half opportunity
Riquelme Angulo started for Sunderland and had an opportunity to put them firmly in control after Ogunsuyi’s opener. His effort was well saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Roman Dowell, leaving the visitors with a narrow advantage during a first half in which both teams threatened.
The attacker was replaced by Dinsdale at the interval, bringing his involvement to an end after 45 minutes. His chance formed part of a significant spell for Sunderland, who had weathered Newcastle’s early pressure and gradually established themselves.
Having taken the lead, Sunderland had the opportunity to reach the break with more breathing room. Instead, the contest remained finely balanced, with Allan’s work and the woodwork also helping the visitors preserve their advantage.
Allan stands firm before Ogunsuyi breakthrough
Newcastle began the brighter of the two sides, with Johnny Emerson causing Sunderland problems and forcing Allan into two saves inside the opening 15 minutes. Emerson first combined with Thompson before advancing into the penalty area, where his low effort from a tight angle was blocked by the Sunderland goalkeeper. Another powerful strike brought a strong left-handed save from Allan, who pushed the ball behind for a corner.
Matheos Ferreira also threatened, reaching a loose ball inside the area ahead of Alex Lienard before shooting into the side-netting. Sunderland began to settle after around 20 minutes, keeping possession more effectively and gaining control after a demanding opening. Their improvement was rewarded in the 37th minute when Proctor delivered a dangerous free-kick from the right.
Ogunsuyi met it with a glancing header, applying the touch needed to direct the ball into the net and give Sunderland the lead. Riquelme Angulo’s subsequent opportunity offered the prospect of a second, but Newcastle remained dangerous. Emerson struck the inside of the post shortly before half-time, with the rebound falling into Allan’s gloves. Sunderland therefore reached the interval ahead, although the chances at both ends suggested there was still considerable work required.
Scott responds after Newcastle equaliser
Ben Kindon made an important defensive contribution after the restart, blocking an effort as Newcastle sought an early route back into the match. The Sunderland defender then threatened at the other end, forcing Dowell into a close-range save with a header. It was another opportunity for the visitors to double their advantage, and Newcastle soon made them pay.
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Thompson equalised in the 58th minute after carrying the ball towards goal and unleashing a powerful strike that went in off the underside of the crossbar. Allan could do little about the finish, which brought Newcastle level and gave the home crowd fresh encouragement. Sunderland’s response, however, was immediate enough to prevent the hosts from taking control.
Five minutes later, Scott restored the lead with an excellent finish of his own. Finding space on the left, he drove into the penalty area and struck powerfully into the roof of the net. The goal sparked celebrations among the travelling Sunderland supporters and put Craddock’s side back in front with less than half an hour remaining.
Newcastle substitutes turn derby around
Sunderland’s second lead lasted only seven minutes. Introduced from the Newcastle bench, Park cut inside from the left and curled a superb effort into the top-right corner to make it 2-2. The hosts continued to threaten through their substitutes. Park delivered a free-kick that Logan Watts headed narrowly wide, while Kyle Fitzgerald dragged an effort past the post after going through against Allan.
Sunderland’s account highlighted a challenge on Jenson Jones in the build-up to Fitzgerald’s chance that went unpunished. The missed opportunity offered a reprieve, but Newcastle eventually found their winner in the 85th minute. Fitzgerald supplied the cross from the left, and Salia directed his header into the far corner to put the hosts ahead for the first time.
Eight minutes of stoppage time gave Sunderland an opportunity to respond, but Newcastle held on, leaving the visitors to reflect on missed chances and two leads that slipped away. Sunderland’s next fixture is against Blackburn Rovers U21s at Eppleton on Friday, November 6, with kick-off at 7pm.
Sunderland: Allan, Lienard, Kindon, Neild, Je. Jones (Barker 87), Whittaker, Munyakazi, Proctor (Ja. Jones 58), Scott (Lightfoot 83), Ogunsuyi, Riquelme (Dinsdale 45).
Unused substitutes: Hunt, Metcalf, Wilson.