Late Oboavwoduo strike fires EDS to victory at Sunderland

In what proved an action-packed encounter at Eppleton Colliery, our Under-21s had struck first on the hour through Emilio Lawrence.

However, the hosts drew level within two minutes thanks to a fortuitous effort from Harrison Jones.

Both sides trained every sinew in an effort to find a winner and it was Oboavwoduo who delivered seven minutes from time to secure a welcome three points.

The game in summary

In what proved a high-quality affair there were chances aplenty at both ends with City back in PL2 action for the first time since the November international break.

City keeper Spike Brits demonstrated his quality, producing a brilliant save with his body on 10 minutes to deny Sunderland dangerman Tymur Tutierov.

It was a tough, physical encounter played at a breakneck pace and the hosts were grateful to Ben Metcalf as he made two fine saves in the space of a minute to deny the Blues.

First, he flung himself low on 26 minutes to deny Lawrence’s low shot from the left edge of the box.

Within 60 seconds Metcalf was there again this time to deny Ashton Muir after another lightning City break this time down the right channel.

Tutierov then had a gilt-edged chance on 36 minutes after fine work from Walters but fired his 12-yard shot wide of the right post.

The end-to-end action continued after the break. City were indebted to a superb block by McFarlane to deny what looked a certain Tuiterov goal after another lightning break from the hosts on 58 minutes.

But it was Wilkinson’s charges who made the breakthrough on the hour thanks to dangerman Lawrence.

Breckin was the architect driving down the right flank before drilling in an inviting ball.

It evaded substitute Matty Warhust but Lawrence was there charging in at the left edge of the box to slam home a fine finish to register his first PL2 goal of the season.

However, the hosts drew level within three minutes thanks to a fortuitous effort by Harrison Jones.

After Middlemas had swept down the right edge of the box, it looked as though Brooklyn Nfonkeu had averted the danger only for his clearance to strike Jones and rebound back into the net.

It was a tough blow but Wilkinson’s side regrouped and restored our advantage thanks to a superb finish from Oboavwoduo seven minutes from time.

He guided a superbly struck effort beyond Metcalf after Sunderland had been disposed trying to play out for his third league goal of the season.

It was a fine effort and proved enough to seal the three points for City.

How we lined up

Spike Brits was in goal and shielded by a back four of Brooklyn Nfonkeu, Jadel Katongo, skipper Stephen Mfuni and Christian McFarlane.

Femi Fapetu was the holding midfielder with Kian Breckin and Justin Oboavwoduo also in the engine room.

Mahamadou Sangare was the attacking focal point with Ashton Muir and Emilio Lawrence providing the attacking width. 

SUNDERLAND: Metcalf, Jenson Jones, Cirkin, Jaydon Jones, Holcroft, Kindon, Walsh (Whittaker 62), H Jones, Waters (Moore 61), Middlemas, Tutierov

Subs: Cowan, Scott, Lightfoot

EDS: Brits, Nfonkeu, Katongo, Mfuni (c), McFarlane, Fapetu, Muir (Dunbar-McDonald 75), Breckin, Sangare (Warhurst 40). Oboavwduo, Lawrence

Subs: Noble, Wint, Naylor

What it means

A fourth PL2 win of the season moves the City Under-21s back up into 13th place in the table.

We now have 13 points from nine games.

What’s next

The City youngsters are back in action on Wednesday, December 10 when we resume our UEFA Youth League campaign.

It’s a huge fixture too with Wilkinson’s side travelling to Spain to take on Real Madrid in our final league phase clash. Kick-off in the Spanish capital is set for 15.00 (UK).