Sunderland’s under-21s were back under the lights at Eppleton Colliery Welfare on Friday night as they hosted Premier League 2 leaders Ipswich Town.
Graeme Murty’s side went into the game looking to produce a response after Monday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, while facing an Ipswich outfit that arrived in outstanding form, unbeaten in nine and sitting top of the division.
With John McGreal’s Tractor Boys providing one of the sternest tests in the league, it was an important night for the young Black Cats as they looked to show their progress.
Here, James Copley rates every Sunderland player against Ipswich Town at Eppleton Colliery Welfare in the Premier League 2:
5. Jenson Jones
Jenson Jones played at right-back on the night against Ipswich Town. Very tidy with the ball and played some good passes out from the back. 7 | Sunderland's Jenson Jones - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
6. Jaydon Jones
Jaydon Jones scored Sunderland's second goal with a tidy finish and was a threat going forward all game. Got through a great deal of work. 8 | Sunderland's Jaydon Jones - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
7. Harrison Jones
Harrison Jones opened the scoring with a decent finish and could have had another goal in the second half. Looks quality at this level. A loan move in January would serve him really well, in my opinion. 8 | Frank Reid
8. Ben Middlemas
Ben Middlemas kept things tidy and Sunderland ticking with a decent display in the middle alongside Jaydon Jones and Harrison Jones. 7 | Ben Middlemas - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson