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:
13. Archie Lightfoot
Archie Lightfoot came on at half-time in the left-back spot and assisted Tutierov's goal in the second half. Has improved over recent weeks. 7 | Sunderland AFC
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14. Jake Waters
Great to see the striker back after two long injury lay-offs. Came off the bench with 30 minutes to go and netted Sunderland's fourth goal. Great to see, given his injury problems. 8 | Ben Cuthbertson Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
15. Rhys Walsh
Brought on with hardly any time to go. N/A | Ben Middlemas (second from left), Oli Bainbridge (centre) and Rhys Walsh (centre, right) - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson