Barnsley U-18s 1, Sunderland U-18s 3

Nov 17 2008 by Paul Cunningham, The Journal

A well-taken hat-trick by Mathew Fletcher ensured a fine away win at Oakwell on Saturday, writes Neville Pilkington.

Sunderland went close several times before taking an early lead in the 10th minute. Jordan Cook flicked on a header for Fletcher to go on down the right. The Aussie striker cut in to convert with a crisp left-footed strike. Barnsley equalised when they capitalised on a defensive mix-up but the young Black Cats regained the lead on 31 minutes.

Blair Adams centred from the left for Fletcher to score with a firm header. Kevin Ball’s side virtually sealed the game with a crucial third goal five minutes after the break. Cook cleverly played in Fletcher to slot home with his right foot to complete his hat-trick and the scoring.

The Tykes battled back with a series of long balls and lofted free kicks in to the area. The defence, which included impressive centre-back Louis Laing – an England under-16 International making a fine debut at this level – coped well with this tactic and the visitors created several chances which could have produced an even more emphatic win.

However, coach Kevin Ball was pleased with the performance and said: “The lads did very well. Obviously there are still certain areas we will be working on but considering suspensions, injuries and illness, a pretty make-shift side put on a really good display.’’

SUNDERLAND: Misiewicz, Bagnall, Cornforth, Laing, Adams (Scott 67), N. Wilson, Madden, Wood, Brown, Cook, Fletcher.