Town’s Under-19s beaten in Premier League Cup match
- Huddersfield Town’s beaten by Under-19s
- Young Terriers suffer first defeat in Premier League Cup
- Micah Obiero scored the opener
Huddersfield Town’s Under-19s suffered their first defeat in the Premier League Cup after they were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland on Monday night.
Following an early opener from Micah Obiero, second half goals from Ruben Samutt and Cole Kiernan meant the Young Terriers returned to West Yorkshire empty handed.
Leigh Bromby’s young side created a number of chances in the second half and will feel unfortunate not to have claimed at least a point on a cold evening in the North East.
Town began the game on the front foot and were rewarded for their possession inside six minutes. Obiero showed persistence to chase down a loose ball and got his just reward as the defender’s clearance cannoned against him and looped over the ‘keeper.
Following their early concession, Sunderland began to grow into the game and enjoyed the better of the chances in the first half. They should have got back on level terms when Ciaran Dunne sliced wide a rebound from close-range, after Giosue Bellagambi had made a great initial save to deny Nathan Greenwood.
Bromby’s side still continued to pose the home side’s backline problems on the counter attack and Luke Daley will feel he should have made more of a delightful pass from Aaron Rowe, but a loose touch allowed the Trialist to prevent him from getting a shot away.
The hosts ended the half the stronger of the two sides and missed a golden opportunity to level proceedings shortly before the interval. Bellagambi charged out of his goal to deal with a ball over the top of the Town defence, but his header dropped straight to the feet of Jake Hackett, who placed his volley just wide of the open goal.
Almost instantly after the restart, Sunderland got themselves back on level terms. Kevin Healy was adjudged to have brought down Jack Bainbridge in the box and the referee showed no hesitation in awarding the penalty. Kimpioka saw his spot-kick saved by Bellagambi, but Sammut was on hand to fire in the rebound.
Following the equaliser, Town began to grow into the half and created a number of opportunities to go ahead. First, Obiero fed Kieran Phillips in behind the home side’s defence and the half-time substitute smashed an effort against the post from a tight angle.
Midway through the second period, came arguably the best of the lot when an inch perfect set-piece delivery from Scott High picked out Obiero. He did everything right with his header but was somehow denied by an unbelievable save from the ‘keeper.
Town were pressing hard for a winner in the final minutes of the match and once again struck the post via the head of Phillips. Centre-back Loick Ayina then pounced on the loose ball and saw his effort cleared off the line.
Despite all their second half dominance, it was Sunderland who found that elusive winner against the run of play. Kiernan saw his initial strike saved by Bellagambi, but the ricochet was fortunate for the substitute and he was able to tap into an empty net.
Town’s final two group games sees them face Wigan Athletic and Liverpool, as they look to find their first win in the group.
Huddersfield Town’s Under-19s (4-2-3-1)
Giosue Bellagambi; Luke Daley, Kevin Healy (Will McCamley 70’), Loick Ayina, Ilounga Pata (Kieran Phillips 46’); Josh Austerfield, Isaac Marriott (Tim Akinola 70’); Olly Dyson, Scott High (C), Aaron Rowe; Micah Obiero
Unused subs
Brahima Diarra, Oran Thompson
Scorers
Micah Obiero (6’)
Final score
Sunderland Under-23s 2-1 Huddersfield Town Under-19s
