Match Report: Sunderland U21s 1-1 Newcastle U21s

Sunderland U21s rued their missed opportunities as the points were shared in Friday’s Wear-Tyne derby at the Academy of Light.

Tom Lavery’s second-half header was levelled up by Anthony Munda in the Premier League 2 clash.

Pre-match, only a point separated the sides, with both sides out of form: Sunderland had only won one of their last five games, while Newcastle hadn’t won in their last five.

The visitors saw a huge chance early on, when Sean Neave was played through after a mix-up from the Sunderland defenders. Despite being pushed wide, his shot ran across the face of goal for a goal kick.

Newcastle carried on their early possession, as Sunderland lost the ball on the edge of their box with it dropping to Neave, whose shot was saved by Ben Metcalf.

Sunderland finally found their feet around the half-hour mark, when Jack Whittaker’s shot from outside the box was parried by Alfie Harrison.

👊 Five minutes to play at the AoL…#SAFC | #PL2 pic.twitter.com/rI17mjWS7J

— SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) January 16, 2026

The following 15 minutes led to a flurry of outside-of-the-box shots that ended with no real reward, until a late Sunderland corner found the head of Finn Geragusian, but his header was just wide.

Sunderland began the second half much like Newcastle did in the first, controlling the ball and it finally came to a goal from a set piece. Harrison Jones’ long, looping ball to the back post beat everyone and Lavery was unmarked to head the ball home from close range on the hour mark.

Sunderland’s lead didn’t last long, as only seven minutes later, a sloppy pass at the back set Munda through on goal and he slotted the ball past Metcalf into the net.

Newcastle next play on Friday 30th against Wolves in the Premier League 2, while Sunderland next play on Wednesday in the Premier League International Cup against Borussia Dortmund.