Southampton U-23s 0 Sunderland U-23s 2: Joel Asoro inspires youngsters to victory
The Swedish prospect opened the scoring in the Premier League 2 encounter, hammering home just after the break, following a through ball by Elliot Embleton.
And just seven minutes later it was the in-demand youngster's shot, which, having cannoned back off home keeper Harry Lewis, fell kindly for Josh Maja, who tucked in from close range to ensure the win on the South Coast.
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Hide AdThe young Black Cats did ride their luck late on as Saints kid Harley Willard struck the base of the post. Then both sides were reduced to 10 men as George Honeyman and Richard Bakary were given their marching order with 10 minutes left following a coming together.
However Andy Welsh's side hung all for all three points.
Sunderland XI: Talbot, Casey, T Robson, Beadling, Brady, Ledger, Asoro (Lawson 72), E Robson, Maja (Nelson, 82), Honeyman, Embleton (Molyneux, 90).
Subs not used: Pain, J Robson.
Southampton XI: Lewis, Bakary, Wood, Little, Cook, Jones, Willard (Vokins 75), O’Connor, Barnes, Olomola, Johnson.
Subs not used: Parkes, Rowthorn, Smallbone, Afolabi.