Boro Under-21s have confirmed a spot in the end-of-season play-offs following a Wear-Tees win at the Stadium of Light.
A late George Gitau finish sunk the young Black Cats on their own turf after the hosts had replied to Sonny Finch’s deadlock breaker.
Sunderland U21: Richardson, Lavery, Fieldson, Luke Bell, Bainbridge, Middlemas, Burke (Taylor 58'), Harrison Jones, Watson, Ogunsuyi (Tuterov 78'), Kelly
Subs: Ryder, Chibueze, Taylor, Tuterov, Jenson Jones
Middlesbrough U21: Connor, Lindo, Hannah, McCormick, Gitau, McCabe, Bridge, Woolston (Nkrumah 70'), Willis (Collins 45'), Matthews (Kone 90'), Finch (Gibson 85')
Subs: Gibson, Collins, Nkrumah, Kone, Metcalfe
Mark Tinkler named two changes to the side that was forced to settle for a draw at Fulham a week ago, Law McCabe and Sonny Finch replacing Matthew Hoppe and Frankie Whelan.
With north east pride on the line, the early exchanges were present to many a robust challenge and Caden Kelly sent a free-kick wide after a foul on the edge of the area.
Boro responded well through a neat passage of play, working the ball to Ajay Matthews whose shot was unable to find the target.
The vigour from both the Black Cats and Boro made for a stop-start encounter and in a half of few chances Law McCabe saw his clean strike blocked and powered to safety.
While the young Teessiders had gained a strong foothold in proceedings, what was missing was a moment of quality – which arrived shortly after the half-hour mark.
Splitting open the Sunderland defence via a well-crafted move, Finch was left with the simplest of finishes to net his fifth in as many games and hand us the advantage.
Though, against the run of play, the Black Cats might have restored parity if not for a fine Shea Connor save, the keeper getting firm hands to Trey Ogunsuyi’s powerful header.
Boro’s dominance in the final third was evident in everything apart from the scoreline but another before the break was not forthcoming, Finch having a second ruled out for offside and AJ Bridge hitting the post in first-half stoppage time.
Possession
0%Shots
8Shots On Target
3Corners
2Fouls
121
0
Cards
4
0
There was a change in personnel at the midway point, Pharrell Willis making way for Sam Collins, and as the match resumed it was Sunderland who raced out of the traps.
Ogunsuyi and Harrison Jones both had shots charged down, Jones headed wide, and, on the hour, Boro’s resistance was broken – Tom Watson finding the leveller.
From there, the game ebbed and flowed. Collins pulled wide with a left-footed drive and Connor saved from Taylor, but chances continued to be at a premium due to the niggly nature of the contest and the ostensibly never-ending introduction of club physios.
But when the young Teessiders were able to re-find our groove, Sunderland were made to pay, Law McCabe’s corner falling at the feet of George Gitau to stab home from close range and seal a spot in play-offs.