Sunderland U21s 2-1 Newcastle U21s: Black Cats snatch…

Sunderland U21s 2-1 Newcastle U21s: Black Cats snatch bragging rights with late winner

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.

The first-half of the latest encounter was goalless at the interval, with neither team producing much in the final third. The best chance fell to Black Cats' attacking midfielder Caden Kelly, but his crisp first-time strike was parried clear after a fine stop from Jude Smith.

Newcastle pressed well, but were unable to find a way through to trouble Jacob Carney's goal. James Huntley found space in the box after a smart one-two, but was quickly closed down by O'Nien to prevent a strike on goal.

The match sprung into life three minutes' after the restart when the Magpies took the lead. Dawson's side were rewarded for a patient approach, as possession was recycled and eventually moved from left to right.

Lewis Miley fed Josh Scott, and the forward cut inside to drill a powerful effort beyond Carney and into the roof of the net. It marked the beginning of Newcastle's best spell in the game, but the visitors rarely came close to troubling the Sunderland goalkeeper again.

Tempers boiled over just before the hour mark after Amadou Diallo was penalised for a foul on Bennette. The Black Cats' summer signing looked to kick out in frustration, and this sparked an ugly confrontation between the teams which resulted in four bookings.

Minutes later, Bennette capitalised on this reprieve from the referee to fire Sunderland level. The winger cut inside and found the far corner, despite Smith getting a hand to the ball.

Scott was almost presented with a simple tap-in to net his and Newcastle's second goal, after Diallo's low effort was almost deflected perfectly into his path. O'Nien read the danger well however, and reacted quickest to clear.

But in the end, it was Sunderland who went on to secure all three points. Johnson was left unmarked and rose highest to meet Kelly's corner and leave Smith helpless with the header.

Sunderland now move to within two points of their rivals in the Premier League 2 Division 2 table, having picked up their first win of the calendar year. Newcastle remain winless in 2023, and Ben Dawson suffered defeat in his first match in charge since being named as Elliott Dickman's permanent successor as the Magpies U21s boss.

Sunderland U21s 2-1 Newcastle U21s: Black Cats snatch bragging rights with late winner

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