Sunderland U21s came from behind to claim bragging rights with a Wear-Tyne derby victory over Newcastle United U21s. The Magpies took the lead shortly after the restart, but Jewison Bennette's strike coupled with a late header from Zak Johnson earned the hosts a 2-1 victory at the Academy of Light on Monday afternoon.
The hosts named a strong lineup for the derby, with Luke O'Nien captaining the side and January signing Pierre Ekwah handed a start. Dawson named three changes for the Magpies, with Jordan Hackett, James Huntley and Ben Parkinson all coming into the starting eleven.
The sides played out a controversial 1-1 draw at St James' Park in October, with Joe White giving Newcastle a first-half lead. Former Sunderland prospect Jay Turner-Cooke was then dismissed in the closing stages, and goalkeeper Alex Bass snatched an injury-time equaliser courtesy via a handball which was not penalised.
