Sunderland’s under-21s were back under the lights at Eppleton Colliery Welfare on Friday night as they hosted Premier League 2 leaders Ipswich Town.
Graeme Murty’s side went into the game looking to produce a response after Monday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, while facing an Ipswich outfit that arrived in outstanding form, unbeaten in nine and sitting top of the division.
With John McGreal’s Tractor Boys providing one of the sternest tests in the league, it was an important night for the young Black Cats as they looked to show their progress.
Here, James Copley rates every Sunderland player against Ipswich Town at Eppleton Colliery Welfare in the Premier League 2:
Given the nod in goal after Issac Allan's loan departure, and produced a good save in the first half to keep Sunderland 1-0 ahead. Was decent all game and played well with his feet. A solid performance despite conceding two. 8
1. Ben Metcalf
Given the nod in goal after Issac Allan's loan departure, and produced a good save in the first half to keep Sunderland 1-0 ahead. Was decent all game and played well with his feet. A solid performance despite conceding two. 8 Photo: Sunderland AFC
The Sunderland first-team player started at left-back and played 45 minutes. Looked to get stuck on and worked hard. Nice to see him back. 6
2. Dennis Cirkin
The Sunderland first-team player started at left-back and played 45 minutes. Looked to get stuck on and worked hard. Nice to see him back. 6 | Getty Images
Ben Kindon started at centre-back and, barring Ipswich Town's goal, was solid and defensively aware. Plays well with the ball at his feet for such a young player. 7
3. Ben Kindon
Ben Kindon started at centre-back and, barring Ipswich Town's goal, was solid and defensively aware. Plays well with the ball at his feet for such a young player. 7 | Sunderland's Ben Kindon - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
Joe Neild started at centre-back and did well alongside Ben Kindon. Looked to play out from defence when he could and kept it nice and tidy for the most part. 7
4. Joe Neild
Joe Neild started at centre-back and did well alongside Ben Kindon. Looked to play out from defence when he could and kept it nice and tidy for the most part. 7 | Sunderland AFC.