Graeme Murty’s side beat Blackburn Rovers 4-2 at the Stadium of Light to set up a Premier League Cup final clash with Burnley
Graeme Murty’s side came into the tie looking to continue an impressive run in the competition, having already seen off Nottingham Forest and Watford in the knockout stages.
There was a strong line-up on show, with the likes of Milan Aleksic and Ahmed Abdullahi included as Sunderland aimed to take another step towards silverware. The young Black Cats had also secured their place in the end-of-season Premier League 2 play-offs in the days leading up to the fixture.
The game burst into life early on, with Blackburn taking the lead inside the opening stages through Joseph Boggan, who finished from close range. Sunderland responded with purpose and drew level when Harrison Jones threaded a pass into Jack Whittaker, who kept his composure to find the net.
Momentum swung in Sunderland’s favour soon after. Aleksic was heavily involved down the left, and his delivery allowed Jaydon Jones to convert from close range as the hosts moved ahead. Blackburn, though, refused to fade and levelled again midway through the half when Brandon Powell reacted quickest inside the box.
Sunderland regained control before the break. Aleksic saw an effort kept out, but Harrison Jones was alert to the loose ball and produced a clever finish to restore the advantage heading into half-time. The tempo dropped slightly after the interval, with Sunderland managing the game more effectively. Clear-cut chances were limited, although Finn Geragusian did force a save from distance as the hosts looked to extend their lead.
That decisive fourth goal arrived in the latter stages. Tom Proctor’s low cross created uncertainty in the Blackburn defence, and Whittaker was perfectly placed to turn home his second of the night and put the result beyond doubt. The win means Sunderland will now face Burnley in the Premier League Cup final. A draw will determine whether the showpiece is played on Wearside or in East Lancashire.
Sunderland Under-21s: Cowan, Jenson Jones, Holcroft, Jaydon Jones, Lienard, Kindon, Aleksic (Scott, 63), Harrison Jones (Proctor, 46), Abdullahi (Dinsdale, 74), Geragusian, Whittaker (Lightfoot, 86).
Substitutes: Metcalf.
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