Kimpioka’s treble seals U18 success

Another superb display and a hat-trick from Benji Kimpioka saw Sunderland make it three Under-18 Premier League wins in a row away to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday,

The Wearsiders won a thrilling spectacle 5-3 at the Baggies’ training ground.

Sunderland’s settled side has really gelled into a strong outfit that will always score goals – five goals away from home is special and coming from behind is testament to the their character as well.

The first half started rather slowly and Anthony Patterson had to make a good save before the Baggies took the lead after 21 minutes from a short corner and subsequent strike from outside the box.

Nine minutes later, the Wearsiders levelled and, from that point, never looked back. Kimpioka scored the goal, passing the ball with loads of pace into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Two minutes before the break, the Wearsiders went in front when Jake Hackett smashed in a shot from 20 yards.

In the second period, Sunderland took over and played really well.

On 55 minutes, they doubled the lead with another goal from Kimpioka, who held off a defender following a throw in before scoring from distance.

Albion did pull one back four minutes later, but Sunderland restored their twogoal margin when Jacob Young – their Australian defender from Perth – leapt high to head home Sam Greenwood’s corner.

Sunderland’s final goal came on 73 minutes when sub Robbie Dunne played a neat ball round the corner to Jordan Hickey, who was through on goal but was brought down.

Kimpioka stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and complete a fine hattrick.

The hosts did score another goal in time added on, but it did not detract from the final verdict – they were a well beaten side.

Sunderland coach Mark Atkinson said: “After a slow start, we really dominated and could have scored even more, but I was disappointed in conceding the three goals.”