Sunderland U23 3-2 Southampton U23
Sunderland Under-23s claimed all three points at Eppleton as they beat Southampton Under-23s in the Premier League 2 Division 2.
Goals from Ellis Taylor and Southampton’s Dom Ballard meant the sides were even at the break.
Dynel Simeu scored first in the second half, but goals from Tyrese Dyce and Stephen Wearne ensured the young Lads got the three points.
A host of changes were made from the last game against Wigan Athletic in the Premier League Cup, with Jacob Carney returning to the starting XI and Zak Johnson and Cameron Jessup slotting into the defence.
The Lads took the lead in the 15th minute when Will Harris crossed to Taylor in the box, who switched onto his right foot and coolly slotted the ball past Jack Bycroft.
Southampton replied minutes later as Ballard latched onto a cross to claim the equaliser.
Sunderland had another chance to take the lead in the first half when Taylor’s corner was met by the head of Benji Kimpioka, but his chance went just wide of the far post.
The away side started well in the second half and took the lead in the 51st minute through a header from Simeu.
Sunderland grew into the second half, with Harris striking the post with a volley from a corner, and forcing a good stop from the goalkeeper.
The Lads found an equaliser minutes later after a low cross found its way to Dyce, who took his time and slotted a right-footed shot past Bycroft.
Wearne completed the comeback 84 minutes in as the ball bounced to the midfielder in the box, smashing it clinically into the bottom corner.
The Lads managed the game brilliantly after the third goal to see the game out and claim the three points as they now look to next week as they face Nottingham Forest, again on home turf.
SUNDERLAND AFC: Carney, Johnson, Dunne, Wilding ©, Jessup, Younger, Dyce, Taylor (Ryder 73’), Harris, Wearne, Kimpioka (Kelly 59’).
Subs not used: McIntyre, Fieldson, Salkeld.