Andy's Player Ratings: Sunderland u21 6-0 Derby u21 - Connolly off the mark as Lads run riot

10/07/2024 04:16 PM

Aaron Connolly scored his first goal for the club as Sunderland u21s hit Derby for six. Here's how Andy rated the lads!

Dan Cameron: 7/10

Dealt with a couple of snap shots well, then made some real saves when the score was 3-0, keeping out a back-heeled effort and then saving a one-on-one.

Tom Lavery: 7/10

Was solid at right back all game, with Derby not getting a sniff down his side.

Zak Johnson: 7/10

Won everything that came his way at the back, cruised through the game.

Joe Anderson: 7/10

Showed his experience at the back, mopping up well and providing good balance as the left sided centre back.

Jenson Jones: 9/10

The pick of our defenders, had to be alert a number of times down his side but played his way out of trouble nicely. Combined well with Watson, got an assist late on after picking out Rusyn in the box and then followed that up with a goal for himself.

Marshall Burke: 7/10

A comfortable game in the middle of the pitch, tidy on the ball and always looking to win the ball back quickly.

Ben Middlemas: 7/10

Played a few good balls forward, one of which was a great through ball to Rusyn whose squared ball to Watson should have been converted..

Tommy Watson: 8/10

It was actually one of his quieter games in general but he still got two goals and an assist. Took his first goal well after driving to the outside of the defender and finishing with his left foot, then chipped the ball over the top for Connolly to run onto for his goal and got his second late on after charging onto a Walsh ball.

Harrison Jones (C): 8/10

A very good game as an advanced midfielder, was very aggressive on the ball and Derby couldn't get to grips with him. Made a number of good runs forward, got an assist for Watson's first and was a real captain's performance.

Nazariy Rusyn: 8/10

Caused problems all night with his running in behind, probably should have had more than just one goal to his name. He got his goal after steering a header into the near post but should have had another after being played in with a great through ball by Connolly. Set up good chances himself for both Connolly and Watson.

Aaron Connolly: 8/10

Looked very sharp considering he has barely played in 2024. Took his goal really well after running onto a Watson ball, played in Rusyn with a great through ball, forced the goalkeeper into a good save after a pass from Rusyn. Was tracking back well too and even had an attempt from the half way line, which didn't quite have enough power on it.

Substitutes

Caden Kelly: 7/10

Came on at half time and was quick to make an impact by winning a penalty which he converted himself.

Elias Lenz: 6/10

Replaced Burke in midfield and did well with his one touch passing, although sometimes a little overly ambitious.

Ben Kindon: 6/10

Slotted in at centre back and helped the team keep a clean sheet.

Rhys Walsh: 6/10

Another who made a quick impact, with a direct run and a great ball through to Watson setting up the sixth goal of the night.

Man of the Match: Jenson Jones

Plenty of good performances tonight but the stand out was Jenson Jones who shone at left back. Defended really well when needed, particularly in a closer first half, often playing his way out of trouble with some good passing and decision making. Then made a goal scoring impact in the second half with an assist after his cross picked out Rusyn and then getting into the box himself and finishing smartly.