Mackems Do It Again! Are You Watching Mags?

Last updated : 04 February 2014 By Tott Dixon - Seaham

After the first team defeated Newcastle 3-0 three days prior, the reserves ran out 2-0 winners.

An intensely contested first half ended goal less, with both sides struggling to create clear cut chances.

Sunderland broke the deadlock after the interval courtesy of a disputed Jordan Laidler penalty.

Sunderland then wrapped up the result via a tidy finish from U18 captain Martin Smith.

Reserve team manager Kevin Ball: “I thought the performance of the first-team on Saturday was brilliant and I thought last night we matched it. We mirrored what they did.

“I thought we were very professional and created a lot of chances. If anything, I’d probably be a bit critical of wanting to see one or two more.

“We really didn’t give them a sniff. They had a couple of headers from out wide, but all-in-all, I thought we were very good.

“It was one of those games where it was like the first few rounds of a boxing match when you’re waiting to see who does what.

“I thought all of a sudden after half-time, when we had said someone needed to take it by the scruff of the neck and three or four did that. They all stepped up to the plate.”