Cowen’s heroics sends nine-man Sunderland into the next round

Sunderland 3 vs West Brom u18s 3:

Sunderland progress into the next round of the FA Youth Cup despite being down to 9 men at Eppleton CW.

A goal from Finn Geragusian and James Barker had Sunderland in front however goals from Rio Parmar and Justin Seven-Seven sent the game to extra time.

Sunderland retook the lead through Triziano Wilson however a late penalty from Parmar took the game to penalties, Joe Cowan saved two penalties and Sunderland progress into the next round.

After previously beating Norwich in the last round Sunderland were hoping to reach the fifth round in the FA Youth Cup in which they would play Brighton.

With less than 10 minutes played the Black Cats took the lead, through Geragusian’s curling strike into the top left corner.

Sunderland doubled their lead shortly after when Barker’s effort from outside the box was no chance for goal keeper Maxwell Moses.

Cowan denied the visitors from getting a goal back with two decisive stops to prevent Parmar and Ryan Colesby.

The visitors were given a lifeline early into the second half when Fin Holcroft received his marching orders for a second yellow card offence when he took down Remar McNeil.

Cowan again kept the Baggies at bay with a finger tip save to stop Harry French’s effort over the bar.

West Brom were given a penalty when the referee saw Matthew Burns foul Jaiden Francis-Caesar in the box and Parmar coolly converted.

The Baggies made their numerical advantage count and levelled the game when Seven-Seven beat Cowen from close range sending the game to extra time.

Sunderland managed to retake the lead against the run of play, Geragusian’s shot was saved but fell straight to Wilson who slotted it home.

The black Cats fell to nine men soon after when Geragusian brought down McNeil inside the box and was shown his second yellow, Parmar converted his second penalty calmly to bring the game level again and sending the game to penalties.

Cowan once again stepped up dening Ryan Colesby and McNeil to win the game for Sunderland with Wilson taking the winning penalty to end an unbelievable game.

The win for Sunderland sees them progress in the Youth Cup into the fifth round in which they play Brighton at Eppleton CW.

Under-18s next play Manchester City on January 7th at 11:00 in the Premier League North.