Sunderland U21s held by Southampton U21s - as four youngsters return after first-team call-ups

Goals from Ellis Taylor and Harry Gardiner either side of half-time gave Graeme Murty’s team a two-goal lead, before Will Merry pulled one back for the hosts in the 67th minute.

Forward Samuel Amo-Ameyaw then drew Southampton level in the third minute of stoppage-time after five additional minutes were shown.

Sunderland handed starts to Chris Rigg, Tom Watson, Zak Johnson and Caden Kelly at Staplewood Academy, after all four were named on the bench when the senior side faced Fulham in the FA Cup two days earlier.

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The result leaves Sunderland ninth in the table, a point behind North East rivals Newcastle.

Murty’s side will now prepare for their home fixture against Derby at Eppleton CW on Monday, February 20 (7pm kick-off), before a trip to Aston Villa four days later.