Sunderland Under-21s recorded a 3-1 win over Derby Under-21s as several first-team players featured – but who stood out for the hosts?
Summer signings Nazariy Rusyn, Adil Aouchiche, Jenson Seelt, Nectarios Triantis and Hemir all started for the young Black Cats at Eppleton CW, after being named in the senior squad against Cardiff on Sunday.
Aouchiche‘s opener and an Ellis Taylor penalty, after Rusyn was fouled in the box, gave Graeme Murty’s side a two-goal lead at half-time, before Dajaune Brown pulled one back for the visitors on the hour mark.
Sunderland substitute Harry Gardiner then secured the win for the hosts 10 minutes from time with a back-post header.
Here’s how each Sunderland player fared:
9. Adil Aouchiche - 8
Started in the No 10 position and showed his qualities in possession by dropping deep and linking up play. Scored the opener and went close with a free-kick which forced Derby keeper Harry Evans into a save. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
10. Nazariy Rusyn - 8
Looked sharp when the ball was played over the top of Derby’s defence. Won the penalty for Sunderland’s second goal and assisted Aouchiche for the opener. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
11. Hemir - 6
Set up Rusyn for an early chance but struggled to have a significant impact on the game before he was replaced in the 70th minute. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
12. Oliver Bainbridge - 7
(for Crompton, 20) Came on at centre-back before moving to right-back. Was good in the air and got forward on the right to assist Gardiner’s late goal. 7 Photo: National World