Sunderland's under-21s showed a great second-half spirit to reduce the deficit against Southampton, but their hard work could not undo the first-half damage caused by the Saints. Southampton were three goals to the good after just 30 minutes, leaving Graeme Murty's side with a mountain to climb.
The young Black Cats upped the intensity and their press in the second 45 minutes, with Olly Lancashire nodding into the back of his own net to claw one back for the Wearsiders just minutes after the restart. Sunderland tails were up, but they weren't able to make the most of a number of half-decent chances with the Saints continuing their impressive start to the season.
Sunderland remain ninth in the Premier League 2 Division 2 table, having played a game more than Stoke City and Derby County who lie beneath them at the foot of the table. There have been clear signs of progress under Murty since his arrival, coupled with the work of John Hewitson, but as of yet, the young Wearsiders are yet to reap any rewards.
