Sunderland AFC's U21 side made a commanding start to their Premier League 2 campaign with a 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Eppleton Colliery Welfare. The emphatic performance, under manager Matt Craddock, saw Trey Ogunsuyi claim a hat-trick, with Jack Whittaker and Timur Tutierov also finding the net.
Early dominance
The Black Cats struck within two minutes when Ogunsuyi converted a penalty. Sunderland continued to press, with Tutierov hitting both the post and bar in quick succession as the hosts sought to extend their lead. Goalkeeper Joe Cowan made a crucial save to deny Kalum Thompson as Forest attempted a response, while defender Ben Kindon cleared the ball off the line shortly before half-time. Sunderland held a 1-0 advantage at the interval.
Second half control
The hosts emerged with renewed intensity after the break. Ogunsuyi doubled the lead when reacting quickly to a Jack Whittaker corner, before Whittaker himself finished from close range to make it 3-0. Ogunsuyi completed his hat-trick moments later, putting the contest beyond doubt.
Cowan made another important save late on to preserve the clean sheet before Tutierov added the fifth goal with five minutes remaining, his cross-shot finding the far corner.
The victory builds on Sunderland U21's Premier League International Cup draw against Jong PSV from the previous week.
