Sunderland U21s player ratings vs Halifax Town – including Jay Matete, Joe Anderson and Abdoullah Ba grades

Sunderland U21s went into tonight’s decisive Group D clash knowing that only a victory would keep their National League Cup campaign alive. Graeme Murty’s side had taken four points from their opening three matches, leaving the young Black Cats fourth in the standings and needing a positive result to progress. Their run had included a dramatic late winner against Scunthorpe from Jack Whittaker, followed by a setback at Boston United and a hard-earned draw away at Gateshead.

Halifax Town arrived in improved spirits after ending a run of four straight defeats with a 3-0 win over Solihull Moors at the weekend, a result inspired by former Sunderland forward Will Harris. Adam Lakeland’s side sat 10th in the National League and second in Group D after beating Middlesbrough and Leeds United, ensuring they also had plenty riding on the outcome.

With the competition designed to expose academy players to senior football environments, and with only the group winners guaranteed to progress, the pressure had been clear from the first whistle. The draw and penalty win handed Sunderland two points in Group D, leaving qualification to the next round a possibility, but unlikely given games in hand from rival clubs around them. Here is how James Copley rated every Sunderland player on the night: