Match Report: Sunderland U21s 1-2 Tottenham Hotspurs U21s

Sunderland U21s were defeated 2-1 by Tottenham Hotspur U21s in Premier League Cup action, as the visitors put themselves in pole position to top group E.

Spurs took the lead in the fourth minute thanks to a goal from Jude Soonsup-Bell before doubling their lead in the sixth minute through Rio Kyerematen.

Sunderland’s Harry Gardiner scored in the 93rd minute to make it 2-1.

Sunderland lined up with four first team players in their starting 11, in the form of Nathan Bishop, Nectarios Triantis, Mason Burstow and Luis Hemir. The Wearsiders were looking to continue their impressive form coming into the game, winning three of the last four. Spurs were feeling confident before the game, as they had won every single game they have played against U21 teams so far this season.

Spurs came flying out of the blocks and opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Soonsup-Bell brilliantly smashed the ball passed Bishop after some excellent footwork.

Just two minutes later Spurs scored again as Kyerematen stole the ball in an advanced area before expertly firing into the bottom corner.

After a dominant opening 15 minutes from the visitors, Sunderland settled and began to create chances of their own.

Sunderland’s best chance of the half fell to Hemir on the stroke of half time but his shot was blocked superbly by Alfie Dorrington.

The second half started well for the home side and Mason Burstow had a chance to pull one back for Sunderland but could only put his effort wide of the far post.

Tottenham weathered the Sunderland storm and should have been three goals ahead when Will Lankshear found himself clean through on goal but Bishop made a smart stop to deny the striker.

Sunderland couldn’t fashion any clear chances until the 93rd minute when an excellent passing move eventually ended in Gardiner tapping home from close range.

The result meant Spurs opened up a six point lead ahead of Sunderland at the top of group E.