Second half rout sees Cats maul youthful Villans
Su n d e rl a n d s c o re d e i g ht goals for the first time since September 1956 with a stunning second-half rout of Aston Villa U21s.
The Black Cats controlled the game for the most part but fired in six second-half goals to makeanemphaticstarttotheir EFL Trophy campaign.
An excellent performance was notable for superb displays from a number of players looking to push their way into Phil Parkinson’s thoughts, with Josh Scowen and Grant Leadbitter particularly impressive in midfield.
There was also a goal for Danny Graham on his second debut, his lively cameo rounding off a good night for Parkinson ahead of the start of the league campaign.
Parkinsonhad,asexpected, significantly shuffled his pack from the weekend clash with Hull City and there was a hint of uncertainty in the opening minutes as a bright Aston Villa U21 side began with purpose.
H o w e v e r, S u n d e r l a n d quickly began to assert themselves on the game and the intensity of the play would have pleased Parkinson.
Jack Diamond fired in a couple of dangerous early crosses from the right-hand side; Lynden Gooch just unable to control and get a shot away before the defence could recover.
The opener felt inevitable and came 12 minutes in with an ease that left the Villa defence scratching their heads.
Josh Scowen whipped in a tremendous corner to the middle of the box and Charlie Wyke,theonlyplayerinthebox to rise to meet it, thumped an emphatic header into the far corner.
Scowen then proceeded to whip the following corner into exactly the same area and Feeney this time made no mistake with an effort that left Sinisalo with no chance.
Villa had little sight of goal
in the first half, though Indiana Vassilev was left frustrated when he finally was able to catch Feeney off guard. It was a clever run free of the defence from the American, but his effort was poor as the Sunderland defender recovered.
Mark Delaney’s side were able to give themselves a lifeline after Brandon Taylor brought down Carney Chukwuemeka to the ground. Matthews guessed the right way, but was unable to get close to Vassilev’s firm effort.
The lead lasted barely a minute, Scowen again found
Feeney at the back post, who this time headed back across goal. Wyke was unmarked on the line and had the simplest of finishes.
Wyke almost had a good assist to his name shortly after, firing across a good first-time cross from the right flank that Neil met well but struck into the side netting.
Villa’s youngsters were on the ropes and eventually buckled, Scowen running riot with a tremendous display.
The fourth came as Graham made his presence felt in the box, winning a header that Sinisalo just kept out. The loose ball fell for Scowen who smashed it home; Power extending the lead within minutes when he fired in an effort from 25-yards.
Graham then landed his first Stadium of Light goal, turning home a low cross from Scowen. Diamond got free down the right and crossed, with substitute George Dobson having a simple finish. The rout was completed in stoppage time when Leadbitter freed Aiden O’Brien, with O’Brien firing a superb finish into the far corner.