Sunderland U18 3-0 Nottingham Forest U18: Geragusian’s stunner sends Sunderland into FA Youth Cup fourth round

Sunderland U18s progressed to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup last night at Eppleton, with a emphatic 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

A beautiful strike from Finn Geragusian gave Sunderland the lead, before a late first-half goal from Marcus Neill doubled Sunderland’s lead, and Charlie Dinsdale slotted home Sunderland’s third.

After a half hour that lacked any real chances, a moment of magic gave Sunderland the lead.

🚀 Pick that out!

Finn Geragusian with an absolute stunner in the #FAYouthCup 😍 https://t.co/wmfyBsEyZx pic.twitter.com/1vYNbUsZO8

— SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) December 10, 2025

Geragusian cut inside onto his left foot before bending an effort brilliantly into the corner; even with the goalkeeper Joseph Bailey at full stretch, he was still nowhere near it.

Sunderland doubled their lead just before half time with a well-worked set piece.

The ball found Charlie Forsyth unmarked, whose header was already on target but Neill redirected the ball – wrongfooting Bailey and into the net.

Forest were much more attacking in the second half and almost got one back, when a mistake from Finlay Holcroft allowed Forest to counter, finding themselves in a three-on-two. The ball found its way to Brandy on the right-hand side, who squared the ball to a Forest substitute, but his shot looped off Holcroft onto the post.

As the game reached the final few minutes, Sunderland got a much deserved third, as a low-driven cross from Archie Lightfoot just missed Geragusian in the box, but found the late run of Dinsdale who slotted it home.

Sunderland progressed into the FA Youth Cup fourth round and will play either Bournemouth or West Brom at home in January, depending on their result.