Sunderland’s Under-23’s were hammered 5-0 in midweek against local rivals Newcastle United.

Sunderland Under-23’s were hammered 5-0 by noisy neighbours Newcastle United in midweek, leaving the Black Cats youngsters bottom of Group Two in Premier League 2.
Elliot Dickman’s side fielded several of the young players on the fringe of the Sunderland first-team – which meant it was a heavy defeat in more ways than one.
And as the young side get ready to travel to Reading on Saturday afternoon, Dickman has demanded that his side give a response in an interview with Sunderland’s official club website.
Speaking about Sunderland’s upcoming game against the Reading Under-23’s, Dickman said: “It’s going to be a tough ask to dust ourselves down from Monday night, but that’s what they’ve got to do if they want to have a career in football.
“We were obviously devastated with the result and the performance, but they have got an opportunity to put the wrongs right on Saturday and bounce back.” Dickman added.

Dickman’s side are without a point at the bottom of the league, and a win against Scott Marshall’s Reading could see the Black Cats jump as high as eighth in the table.
Sunderland, however, will have to put on a better display than they produced in midweek, and more will be expected from the likes of key men Elliot Embleton and Benjamin Kimpioka.

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