Champions

By The Black Cats
March 31 2009

Sunderland Academy Under 18's overcame Barnsley Under 18's to be crowned Champions of their group in a 2-1 win this lunchtime. The win moves Sunderland 19 points clear of Newcastle at the top of their group, putting them in an unassailable position.

Andrew Galer scored a second-half winner as Sunderland clinched the FA Premier Academy Group D title for a third successive year.

Galer and Ryan Noble scored the goals to see off a stern challenge by Barnsley at the Academy of Light.

It is a good achievement by the Wearsiders who still have five league games to play before they turn their attentions to the play-offs.

Sunderland opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Ryan Noble who planted a header into the top corner from Liam Bagnall's cross.

A great save by Barnsley keeper Tom Rusling denied Noble a second before the break.

Barnsley came back at Sunderland in the second half and the home side had to defend for long periods as the Tykes put long balls into the box.

Centre-back Martin Grundy made it 1-1 in the 53rd minute, powering a free header past Michal Misiewicz.

Sunderland restored their lead in the 65th minute and again Bagnall was the provider. The Northern Ireland youth full-back made a good run down the left and pulled it back for Galer to smash a shot in from close range.

Misiewicz made a smart save from a header near the end as Sunderland hung onto their lead.

Coach Kevin Ball said: "To do what they have done with five games to go is a fantastic achievment.

"But me being me, I've said to them enjoy the next few days and then we start a five-game mini-league and we win that."

Sunderland: Misiewicz, Marrs, Madden, Cornforth, Bagnall, Slegg, L. Noble, Wilson, Reed (Elliott 80), Galer (Scott 72), R. Noble. Subs not used: Fletcher, Wood, Wilson.