Match Report: Sunderland U21s 1-2 Sheffield United U21s

Sunderland's under-21 team faced a loss in the Premier League Cup yesterday while playing away against Sheffield United.

Harrison Jones put the Black Cats ahead early on, but in the second half, goals from Owen Hampson and Zain Tahir secured all three points for Sheffield United, who are at the top of Group D.

Joe Anderson, Trey Ogunsuyi, Harrison Jones, and Ben Middlemass all started in the game after their recent journey to Millwall with the first team.

Sunderland maintained their positive momentum by starting off strong, taking the lead after some impressive teamwork. Middlemass connected with Jones, who then scored by slotting the ball into the near post from inside the box.

Before half-time, Jewison Bennette nearly increased Sunderland's lead, but his shot hit the crossbar.

After the halftime interval, the home team emerged with renewed energy and began to find their rhythm. Anderson made a crucial goalline clearance, thwarting Jevan Beattie and preventing what looked like a guaranteed equalizing goal.

On the opposite side, Jones tried to score his second goal of the night with a shot from far away, hitting the wooden frame of the goal.

With only 15 minutes remaining in the match, the Blades managed to score an equalizer. Despite Dan Cameron’s initial save, Hampson was quick to react and put the ball in the net, bringing the score to 1-1.

A short while later, the hosts' efforts bore fruit when Tahir struck a volley past Cameron during a set piece, securing all three points for the Blades.

On Saturday, Sunderland will welcome Manchester City, the current leaders of the PL2, at their Eppleton ground.