Black Cats’ U23 team get survival boost after Foxes win

LUKE Molyneux’s double lifted Sunderland U23s out of the Premier League 2 relegation zone and gave the Black Cats’ survival hopes a major boost.

Molyneux scored either side of half-time in a comprehensive win over Leicester City at the Stadium of Light, with Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka and Jack Diamond also on the scoresheet.

The win was enough to see Elliott Dickman’s side leapfrog Derby and climb to third-bottom with one game remaining.

They are a point above the Rams, who have two games to play, and three points above Manchester United, who have one game remaining.

Dickman named a young side which included Poland Under 21 goalkeeper Max Stryjek, who was on the bench for the first team at Reading on Saturday. MbungaKimpioka gave the Black Cats the perfect start, scoring inside the first 60 seconds.

The Sweden U17 midfielder was involved again as Sunderland doubled their lead on 20 minutes, linking up with Diamond and Molyneux before the latter scored.

The Foxes got on the scoresheet on 26 minutes, when Hughes lashed home from 12 yards through a crowd of players.

Sunderland restored their two-goal cushion on 65 minutes as Diamond capped a slick passing move on the edge of the Leicester box with a fine finish.

Foxes keeper Eldin Jakupovic’s failed clearance presented Molyneux with his second goal and Sunderland’s fourth in the 73rd minute.