Quote:
Barclays U18 Premier League
Aon Training Complex
UNITED 0
SUNDERLAND 2
(Blinko 24, Robson 66)
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18/10/2014 - ManUtd.com, Cliff Butler
U18s: United 0 Sunderland 2
Manchester United’s Under-18s slipped to defeat against a strong and well organised Sunderland team at*the Aon*Training*Complex*on Saturday.
It was a cloudy, but pleasant and fresh morning when the action commenced and the opening exchanges of this early afternoon Barclays Under-18 Premier League clash with Wearside’s finest certainly had a bright and breezy feel to them.
Buoyed by victories in their previous two outings, Paul McGuinness’ side were looking to complete the hat-trick and their early play suggested that the Reds*were in*the mood to achieve that target.
Sunderland, who were kitted out in a smart, all-blue kit, also raced out of the blocks looking more than capable of giving the*hosts plenty to think about.********
All the ingredients for a lively encounter appeared to in place and that’s how it unfolded with neither side assuming command but enjoying enough moments in their opponents’ half to generate encouragement.
Real goal chances were rare in the opening period, but the visitors made the most of one they created when winger Jordan Blinko found the net past United’s George Dorrington in the 24th minute.
The Reds*introduced two substitutes, Callum Gribbin and Zachary Dearnley, at the start of the second half and it was the latter who was presented with a great*opportunity to claim the leveller but his shot, following fine work by Marcus Rashford, flew wide of the upright.
Sunderland, who had been enjoying a positive spell, doubled their lead in the 66th minute. Dorrington’s kick up field failed to find the intended destination and came to ground at the feet of Sunderland’s Ethan Robson. The Black Cats’ youngster took full advantage of his fortune and launched an unstoppable shot to give his side a two-goal cushion.
Not surprisingly, Sunderland’s second*strike gave their confidence a huge boost and United had to dig deep in an attempt to salvage something from the contest.
Joe Riley raised hopes in the closing stages with two shots on target that required attention from Black Cats’ keeper James Talbot*but*the visitors held firm thereafter.
United:*Dorrington; Reid, Tuanzebe, Williams, Borthwick-Jackson; Riley, J.Thompson (McTominay 81), Redmond, Rathbone (Dearnley 46); Rashford, Croskery (Gribbin 46). Sub not used: Henderson (GK).