Sunderland U18s 2, Nottingham Forest U18s 2

Nov 23 2009 The Journal

A THRILLING top of the table clash finished all square in the driving rain at the Academy.

Sunderland started well with Ryan Noble going for the near post but hitting the side netting and Adam Mitchell cutting in from the left to hit a stinging drive which was tipped over by Forest keeper Karl Darlow.

The hosts were made to pay for their profligacy when Forest took a surprise lead following a defensive error which allowed striker Tom Mullen to slot home.

Five minutes later they doubled the lead. The ball was worked from full-back Carl Gibson who found Dan Meadows who crossed for George Thomson to turn the ball over the line.

But the young Black Cats hit back to level with two goals in two minutes just before the break.

First James Armstrong beat his man on the left and dinked over a delightful centre for Ryan Noble to score with a glancing header. Then a Nathan Wilson corner eluded the home defence and flew across the goal for Adam Mitchell to hammer home.

Coach Kevin Ball said: “It was a brilliant game and a fair result – but we gave them a two goal start and a lesson in football.” Forest coach Eoin Jess said: “It was a great game – Sunderland are a very good side.”

SUNDERLAND (4-4-2): King, Bagnall, Laing, Egan, Adams, Mitchell, Wilson, Lynch, Armstrong, Noble, Fletcher (Galer 75). Substitutes (not used): Watson, Wood, Lamb, Gorrin, Marrs.