Andy's Player Ratings: Boston 1-0 Sunderland U21 - Defeat in the first National League Cup game
Yesterday at 04:37 PM
Sunderland U21s were defeated away at Boston United in their first game in the National League Cup — though it was a cracking finish by Joe Anderson past his own keeper! Here's how Andy rated the Lads...
Kelechi Chibueze: 7/10
Made some smart saves, the best of which was a double one after he gave the ball away himself following a casual pass out of defence.
Zak Johnson: 6/10
Played at full back today and did well enough defensively, nothing from him going forward until a late surge saw him get on the end of a Walsh cross and clip the outside of the post.
Ben Crompton: 7/10
Our best defender tonight. Looked composed, used the ball well and mopped up in behind.
Joe Anderson: 5/10
Played some nice balls with his left foot but unfortunately scored a scrappy own goal after slicing a shot into his own net.
Tom Lavery: 6/10
Had to work hard at left back and did OK, a couple of bursts forward but mainly a disciplined game from the natural right back.
Jaydon Jones: 6/10
Tidy in the middle of the pitch, his passing wasn't as crisp as he'd want it and sometimes turned into trouble but kept going and did well.
Ben Middlemas: 7/10
Looked a lot more comfortable against a senior side than some of his younger teammates, clever on the ball and quick to put a foot in.
Adil Aouchiche: 7/10
Didn't see anywhere near enough of the ball but still made our better chances. Played in Walsh with a great ball early on, hassled the defence and put a chance on a plate for Ogunsuyi, then had some dangerous set pieces near the end.
Jack Whittaker: 6/10
A quiet game on the right from Whittaker, showed some nice flashes but didn't get enough of the ball.
Rhys Walsh: 6/10
Was a good outlet with his pace on the right, too often outmuscled against senior defenders but kept at it.
Trey Ogunsuyi: 6/10
Not a lot to work with but still had enough chances to score, once when he burst forward from the half-way line, cut inside but drove his shot wide and then couldn't get his shot on target after Aouchiche picked him out with a cross. Looked like he could compete physically with a senior defence.
Substitutes
Finn Geragusian: N/A
One of three late changes as we chased the game, unfortunately most of his touches came in the defensive third.
Aaron Chungh: N/A
A couple of neat touches after coming on late.
Jenson Jones: N/A
Little time to make an impact after coming on at full back.
Man of the Match: Ben Middlemas
A good all-round performance in the middle of the pitch by tonight's captain. Looks like the South Shields loan earlier this season has helped him a lot, as he was far more ready for the challenge from Boston than some of his younger teammates. Composed on the ball and quick to put a tackle in, he also showed a fair bit of skill when closed down and had some nice interchanges with Aouchiche.
