City had failed to beat Sunderland in two previous matches this season, drawing 1-1 in the U21 League match and losing the other 4-2 in the in the U21 Premier League Cup in early December where Madron struck a hat-trick for the Black Cats.
With Patrick Vieira’s side looking to close in on leaders Chelsea and make it four successive wins in all competitions, the Blues fielded a strong starting XI at a nippy Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground.
Sunderland played a high pressing game, just as they had done in the previous two meetings, meaning space was at a premium for the Blues.
The first real chance came for the hosts when Angus Gunn was forced to make a fine save on 25 minutes as Lawson’s shot was blocked and then Agnew saw his follow-up blocked.
City had to wait until the 33rd minute before creating any chance of note with Jordy Hiwula seeing his effort pushed away by the Black Cats keeper Stryjek and a fine solo run and effort from Brandon Barker was eventually scrambled away on 43 minutes.
Sunderland almost went into the break ahead after a flowing move ended with danger man Mandron glanced Smith’s cross inches wide of the post.
The breakthrough finally came on 52 minutes when Martin Smith’s shot struck the crossbar and – inevitably - Mandron nodded home the rebound to give the Blues an uphill task in the time that remained.
City rarely threatened to breach the home side’s defence and Sunderland held on for all three points with Vieira’s men no doubt happy to see the back of Sunderland for this campaign.
