How it played out as Sunderland youngsters suffer heavy defeat against local rivals Middlesbrough
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The Black Cats had secured a first league win in over a year against Newcastle United last time out, but were beaten 6-0 at the Academy of Light.
Elliott Dickman's side faced an uphill battle after going two goals behind just ten minutes into contest, with Middlesbrough pair Isaac Fletcher and Isiah Cornet getting on the scoresheet.
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Hide AdThe Black Cats came close to reducing the deficit, with midfielder Jake Hackett and striker Mitch Curry both narrowly missing with dangerous efforts.
The home side were grateful to goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who saved both a penalty and a rebound effort from Hayden Hackney.
Middlesbrough, though, continued to threaten and doubled their lead before the break; Rumarn Burrell getting on the scoresheet before Fletcher doubled his tally.
Burrell and Fletcher both added another goal in the second half to seal an emphatic win for Graeme Lee's side.
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Hide AdSunderland were without Dan Neil and Jack Diamond, who could play a part in the first team's clash with Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night.
Oliver Younger was also not involved, having moved ahead of Brandon Taylor in the pecking order for senior recognition.
"He's trained well and we've been pleased with him," Parkinson said on Saturday.
"He's just gone above Brandon in the pecking order and that's just the way football is sometimes.
"He's come in and played well for the U23s, and I've enjoyed working with him."
Sunderland XI: Patterson, Wombwell, Taylor, Almond, Beaumont, Dunne; Hackett, Hawkes, Wearne; Curry, Kimpioka