U18's vs. Sunderland (H) Fri 31st Aug - Match Report

[Powlay]

It was Middlesbrough’s turn to be the odd side out in the 7 team Group 3 of the development league, so rather than have a free week the club arranged a friendly game vs. Local rivals Sunderland.

The weather was fantastic as the sides took to the field and it was an opportunity to see some of the less played first year scholars.

Sunderland settled well and were moving the ball about well against a young Middlesbrough side who were fielding a pair of trialist's at centre back, one unknown and the other former Arsenal U16 Julian Banton.

The visitors took the lead on the 18th minute when good build up play down their left flank from Tom Robson allowed Martin Smith to get into space and strike the ball across Bland into the corner of the goal.

GOAL SUNDERLAND – Smith 0-1

Middlesbrough hit back almost immediately, first year Scott McCarthy was played into the wide right channel and as he cut inside the ball took a couple of favourable deflections and fell back to the young Boro forward who fired the ball into the goal across the keeper.

GOAL BORO – McCarthy 1-1

The game became scrappy after the goal with both sides struggling to keep possession of the ball, Shane Bland in the Boro goal was called into action when a curling 25 yard strike looked destined for the top corner the keeper somehow managed to get a hand on it and tip it wide for a corner.

Half time – Middlesbrough 1 Sunderland 1

Boro Subs – Stephen O’Neill off, Jones on, Armstrong off, Warnett on, Boagey off, Garrity on, Coleby off Griffiths on, McCarthy off, Fewster on.

Middlesbrough brought on 5 subs at half time, the experienced Warnett and Jones joining Fewster and Garrity as an attacking quartet.

Middlesbrough started the second half on fire. Jimmy Warnett on the left wing skipped past his man with ease before cutting inside and striking low across the keeper, the shot was saved by Maddison and cleared to safety. Jones was next to try his luck, dropping his shoulder and jinking past his man before striking from distance again though the Sunderland keeper was equal to it.

England U17 Bradley Fewster linked up well with Garrity who returned the ball to the 1st year who was coming across the box from right to left, his left foot strike lacked power though and the keeper again saved.

At the other end some neat footwork by American Lynden Gooch made space for a curling effort, the ball beat Bland who was full stretch to his left but the ball hit the base of the post and rebounded luckily into the Boro keepers arms.

Garrity put his height to good use when flicking on a defensive long ball, Warnett was perfectly placed to run onto the ball but couldn’t control his left foot strike, the ball flying wide and high of the visitor’s goal. Boro were making the most opportunities but were left down when it came to the finishing. Jordan Jones flying down the left wing beat Burn to the ball, he then broke along the goal line but no one was there to tap the ball in.

Shane Bland had to stay on his toes as a strike from distance moved wickedly in the air, the Boro keeper getting both hands to it to tip it over the bar.

Gooch was a real handful for the visitors and he gave his side the lead with a clever turn and strike beating Bland at the near post.

GOAL SUNDERLAND – Gooch 1-2

Sunderland nearly had a third when a beautifully weighted ball dropped between Grittiths and Banton, the forward tried to flick the ball over the advancing Bland but he stood tall and managed to get a strong palm onto the ball, repositioning himself quickly Bland managed to flick the ball away.

Full time – Middlesbrough 1 Sunderland 2

Boro: Bland, Tinkler, Kitching, Bennett ©, Trialist (Banton), Trialist (Unknown), Boagey (Garrity 45), Coleby (Griffiths 45), Armstrong (Warnett 45), S. O’Neill (Jones 45), McCarthy (Fewster 45).
Unused: Fryer (GK)

Sunderland: Maddison, Ledger, Burn, Suker, Reece Noble, Holland (McCarthy, 65), Agnew (Martin, 60), Cartwright, Robson (Greenwood, 75), Smith (Stimson, 75), Gooch.

Thoughts.
No MOTM award because it was a friendly and more a game to give players minutes and get them used to playing at U18 level. Was nice to get my first real looks at O’Neill (Conor his brother currently has a broken wrist), McCarthy and Coleby, and a better look at players like Armstrong, Tinkler and Kitching. Nice to see the two trialists as well.
A mention should go though to Shane Bland, who made 3 outstanding stops.

[Downsouth]

Thanks for the report Powlay must admit I have never really bothered thinking about them but your match reports are getting me much more interested

[Powlay]

thmbs UP! Glad it stirs some interest.

[CurtisFleming]

i look forward to them powlay, keep them coming