SAFC U18 1-0 Derby County
Sunderland Under-18s got off to a winning start in the 2022-23 U18 Premier League season, securing a 1-0 victory over Derby County.
Saturday’s curtain-raiser at the Academy of Light resulted in three points thanks to Ben Williams’ decisive strike, as he lost his marker at the far post to volley home an excellent finish eight yards from goal, converting Marshall Burke’s set-piece delivery from the left.
The youngsters – many of whom have already featured for the club’s Under-21s this season against Norwich City – were in the driving seat for much of the contest against a spirited Rams outfit, and despite being unable to convert second-half chances to double the lead, held on for three very welcome opening-day points.
Next up for the U18 side is a trip to Merseyside to take on Everton at Finch Farm next Saturday afternoon.