Sunderland 2 Manchester United Under-21s 1: Story of the night as Cats progress in Papa John's Trophy after Tyrese Dyce and Stephen Wearne goals

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Sunderland have progressed to the knockout stages of the Papa John’s Trophy after a 2-1 win over Manchester United Under-21s

The Black Cats boss named just one 'qualifying' first-team player by the competition’s rules as Denver Hume captained the side.

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Hume has just recovered from a hamstring injury and needs game time, yet Johnson resisted the temptation to play any other senior players.

Sunderland’s youngsters made a positive impression, though, as Tyrese Dyce put his side ahead in the second half at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland vs Manchester United Under-21s live blog.Sunderland vs Manchester United Under-21s live blog.
Sunderland vs Manchester United Under-21s live blog.

United drew level after an excellent strike from Zidane Iqbel, yet Stephen Wearne’s header secured the win for the hosts.

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Following last week’s 2-1 win at Lincoln, Sunderland have qualified from Northern Group F with a game to spare, against League Two side Bradford which will take place on November 9.

Here’s how the match played out at the Stadium of Light against United’s under-21 side.

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RECAP: Sunderland 2 (Dyce, 50) (Wearne, 66) Manchester United Under-21s 1 (Iqbal, 57)

Key Events

  • Sunderland XI: Carney, Richardson, Almond, Younger, Hume (Kachosa, 71), Scott, Sonha, Wearne, Dyce, Taylor, Harris
  • Subs: McIntyre, Jessup, Kachosa, Ryder, Middlemas, Johnson, Kelly
  • Manchester United U21s XI: Mee, McShane, Hardley, Wellens, Fernandez, Savage, McNeil, Hoogewerf (Forson, 81), Mather, Iqbal, Hugill (Norkett, 81)
  • Subs: Vitek, Bennett, Jurado, Forson, Ennis, Norkett, Murray

Thanks for joining us this evening

That’s it for tonight but we’ll have loads more reaction and analysis from tonight’s match on the SAFC section of the Echo website.

See you soon.

Reaction from Lee Johnson

Full-Time: Sunderland 2 Manchester United U21s 1

90+1’ Second change for Sunderland

Taylor makes way for Caden Kelly.

Another senior debut.

81’ Hugill makes way

Double change for the visitors.

ON: Forson, Norkett

OFF: Hoogewerf, Hugill

The Sunderland goal scorer has now moved to left-back with Taylor moving to the left flank and Kachosa going to the right.

That one appeared to be heading for the top corner but the Sunderland keeper got a strong hand to it.

What a lovely move!

Almond released on the right of the penalty area and Taylor’s sinked cross was headed home by Wearne, who arrived late in the box.

Sunderland lead 2-1.

60’ United threatening

Sunderland were just rocking after that goal as Carney was forced to make a low save to deny Hugill.

Moments later, McNeil went through on goal but his shot was tame and easily gathered by the Sunderland keeper.

What a strike!

United played a short corner and the ball eventually found Iqbel on the edge of the box and the United man curled the ball into the top corner.

Sunderland’s finishing had lacked conviction but finally they made an attack count.

First, Harris’ effort from an angle in the box was saved by Mee but the ball fell straight to Dyce.

The latter converted emphatically into the top corner.

1-0.

48’ Chances at both ends

A fast start to the second half as Sonha’s low shot from distance is saved by Mee.

Moments later Hugill found himself in a promising position inside the penalty area but couldn’t convert.