Sunderland’s youth team overcame the worst possible start to get the better of Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium of Light.
Blackburn got off to an electric start, scoring in the second minute after Brandon Powell played a drilled cross to Joe Boggan, who slotted the ball into the back of the net.
However, Sunderland struck back 10 minutes later. Harrison Jones played a one-touch ball to Jack Whittaker, who directed his finish into the bottom right corner.
Jaydon Jones ➡️ Harrison Jones ➡️ Jack Whittaker
— SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) April 15, 2026
Our Under-21s are level in tonight's #PLCup semi-final 👇 https://t.co/xXPfbBURPe pic.twitter.com/asiiPljzQ4
Then in the 19th minute, Jaydon Jones took the lead for the hosts, volleying a perfectly weighted cross past the Blackburn goalkeeper.
😤 From one down to two-one up!
— SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) April 15, 2026
Jaydon Jones pokes our Under-21s ahead in tonight's #PLCup semi-final 👇 https://t.co/awCCunS2Wa pic.twitter.com/3T7VneK5WR
It did not take long for Rovers to draw level again. The right winger made a brilliant run, beating two defenders before his low ball into the box found Powell, who was bound to score from such close range.
The Black Cats had a couple of opportunities to re-establish their lead, but were unable to take advantage. However, after an initial save by the visiting shot-stopper, captain Harrison Jones put his team back in front with an effort which spun into the left side of the goal.
A seventh goal of the season for Harrison Jones 🙌
— SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) April 15, 2026
Our Under-21s are back in front at the SoL 👇 https://t.co/ysKN6KqqKD pic.twitter.com/PxMZoZrbqo
Half-time: Sunderland 3-2 Blackburn
Sunderland remained on top in the second half
Powell should really have equalised early in the second half after running uncontested on the right side of the pitch. Despite this, his shot was a long way off target
The game was quiet for a while, but Sunderland doubled their advantage through Whittaker after the goalkeeper failed to claim a cross from Tom Proctor.
Two goals to the good at the SoL 👊
— SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) April 15, 2026
Jack Whittaker's second has our Under-21s 10 minutes away from the #PLCup final 👇 https://t.co/vTMfjY6KAA pic.twitter.com/HSNnKbx2iF
After this, clear-cut chances rarely came around for either team, despite the fact Blackburn kept on pushing for a goal.
In the end, it was a deserved victory for Sunderland, who will face Burnley in the Premier League Cup final.
Full-time: Sunderland 4-2 Blackburn
