Tricky Hickey comes up trumps for U18s

A young Sunderland Under-18 side gave an outstanding performance to secure a 1-0 win in Saturday’s Under-18 Premier League game at Derby on Saturday, writes Neville Pilkington.

It was a tremendous display considering they missed regulars Jack Diamond, Jake Hackett, Benji Kimpioka and Lee Connelly, who all played for the Under-23s at Brighton on Friday.

Although an even first half was goalless, they had two good chances to go ahead.

For the first, Jordan Hickey twisted and turned to beat two opponents but shot just wide, then Bali Mumba was pulled back when bearing down on goal.

In the second period, Sunderland came under severe pressure and only some outstanding saves by keeper Anthony Patterson kept them in the game.

But Sunderland weathered the storm, showing impressive determination, and hit back to take the game eight minutes from time following a well-worked move.

Ryan Leonard broke from the middle to feed Greenwood, who went past the full-back with ease. His cross created a tap in for Jordan Hickey, who gobbled up the chance with glee from six yards.

Sunderland coach Mark Atkinson enthused: “It was so pleasing with this young team who showed real resilience and grit. There were lots of positives – we finished with only three Under-18s. The rest were 17 and 16-year-olds.”