"I'm a young aspiring sports journalist who is currently studying for a degree in sports journalism from the University of Sunderland. Getting an opportunity to produce content for The FA Young Reporters' Club was something I couldn't turn down, and it's a scheme that will help me develop as a journalist."
Sunderland’s academy has a fine pedigree when it comes to producing England internationals.
Jordan Henderson and Jordan Pickford are two notable recent graduates and the Black Cats will be hoping some of their current batch of U18s go on to big things.
This FA Youth Cup second round tie against Oldham Athletic gave those youngsters a break from the Premier League North, where they sit just two points off the bottom. They took the chance to book a spot in the third round with a with a convincing 4-1 victory.
Oldham, although underdogs, came into the game confident after a seven-game unbeaten run.
The Latics dispatched Altrincham in the first round, while Sunderland overcame FC Halifax Town at The Shay.
A trip to Everton in the third round was the reward for the winners at Eppleton CW, and both sides gave it their all from the off.
Having edged the opening exchanges, Sunderland took the lead in the 19th minute. Quick, flowing football on the edge of the penalty area saw Dan Neil play Connor Slack in on goal and he finished with aplomb.
Sunderland doubled their lead less than 60 seconds later. Ryan Gooch’s perfectly-weighted through-ball gave Neil a great chance and he converted from 16 yards.
Oldham halved the deficit 10 minutes into the second half. Declan Baldwin’s dangerous corner wasn’t dealt with by Adam Cameron who punched into his own net under pressure from Harry Norris.
However, Sunderland regained their two-goal cushion less than 10 minutes later. Having picked up possession in a wide position, Ryan Leonard drove towards goal before cutting in and finishing well from a tight angle.
Sunderland wrapped things up 15 minutes from time. Tom Scothern’s crossfield ball found Leonard and his pull-back gifted Slack a simple finish for his second of the night.
Oldham goalkeeper Ellis Allen denied Slack his hat-trick in added time by saving a penalty, but it was a comfortable win for Sunderland in the end.
Sunderland supporter Andrew Williams said: “I don’t watch the U18s very often but they played well and deserved the win.
“Hopefully the lads progress and are part of the first team in the future.”
George Parkin, one of the few travelling Oldham supporters, said: “I thought we gave it a real good go and gave Sunderland a good game.
“Sunderland got two quick goals and it was always going to be difficult from there.
“The lads played very well and can be proud of what they achieved."
