Kiernan double seals first U18s win

Sunderland Under-18s grabbed their first win of the season with a gritty 2-1 away win against West Bromwich in the FA Premier Youth league yesterday, writes Neville Pilkington.

The win was all the more commendable considering the side was down to the bare bones with six players missing through injury.

Over-age goalkeeper Anthony Patterson was one player called up and had a very good game.

The Wearsiders opened well and Ryan Leonard had a chance but shot wide.

Then Cole Kiernan miscontrolled from close range when played in following an incisive ball from Dan Neil.

But they did take the lead on 23 minutes when Kiernan scored with a penalty after Sonny Best had been brought down.

Sunderland were still leading at the break but two minutes after the restart, the Baggies equalised with a shot from an acute angle by full-back Aksum White.

On 55 minutes, Kiernan shot just past the post and then headed over from only six yards.

But the striker was on target two minutes later when he headed home in fine style from a super Connor Slack cross.

Sunderland then proceeded to manage the game really well to grind out the result and take the three points.

Coach Paul Bryson summed up the game by saying: “We had to work really hard for the victory and I was very pleased with the determination shown.”

Sunderland (4-3-3) Patterson; Evans, Edmundsson, Ord, Howard (Almond 45); Scothern, Neil (Lilley 59), Best; Slack, Kiernan, Leonard (Miller 79). Subs not used: Bond, Bruce.