The Under 23s maintained their 100 per cent record with a good 2-0 win at Sunderland RCA Reserves on Saturday.

They’ve now won four out of four league games plus a cup tie on top, so that isn’t a bad start to the season in the Wearside League

On the back of a 12-2 win in midweek the players were feeling confident and had the wind in their sails. 

The game started off in similar vein with the boys taking a while to settle, a lot of over the top balls into new striker signing Zack Pearn who held the ball up well to bring his wingers in. It was a corner that broke the deadlock, a peach of a ball whipped in from Alfie Fawcett fell to Owen Harvey at the back post who grabbed his second of the season. 

The rest of the half was much the same, with Darlo dominating possession but not managing to land that final ball. There was a strong defensive display from Thomas Southwood at the back and continuous overlaps from Ethan Cuthbertson created a constant threat. Toby Sparrow was breaking the lines and driving up the pitch, but alas no second goal could be found and it stayed 1-0 at the break. 

No subs, the message was clear - let’s play football. The boys got their heads on and started to pass it around a lot more sharply. Zack Pearn grabbed his debut goal to make it 2-0 after a bit of a defensive scramble, good poacher’s goal. Several sub changes with all the boys coming on from the bench within a 10-15 minute period, but a real impact was made by all. 

Jake Patterson added some great technicality to the midfield and with a sharp one-two got through on goal and finished it round the keeper, Isko followed up and was caught out by an unlucky offside which would have been a top goal all round. The boys saw the game out well, composed and avoided any real scares. 2-0 and a solid clean sheet to round it off. Owen Harvey was POTM with a goal and a strong defensive performance.

Starting Line-Up:

Liam Mason, Owen Smith, Owen Harvey, Thomas Southwood, Harry Butters, Ethan Cuthbertson, Oliver Walters, Will Maddison, Toby Sparrow, Alfie Fawcett, Zack Pearn 

Subs: Jake Patterson, Adam Glew, Harvey Hinckes, Isko, Kayne Williams

Manager Grant Cuthbertson said; “It was a very difficult and challenging seven days with this being the third game against a very difficult team to break down and very physical. We took our moments I the game. It was pleasing to finish the game with a very well-deserved clean sheet. We are now going to a mini break with no game till the 31st August which will see players returning from suspensions and I am very much looking forward to having a full squad to choose from!”