Brighton U23s 3 Sunderland U23s 1: Embleton penalty a mere consolation for young Black Cats
The Seagulls proved too strong for a Black Cats side, who fielded keeper Max Stryjek on his return from a loan stint at Accrington Stanley.
Jiri Skalak gave Brighton a 17th-minute lead, finishing home at the back post from a cross by Viktor Gyokeres.
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Hide AdIt was 2-0 in first-half stoppage time as Gyokeres curled his shot beyond Max Stryjek following a fine team move.
Sunderland fell three down on 56 minutes when Josh Robson could only turn a dangerous Gyokeres cross into his own net.
Elliot Embleton threw the visitors a 66th-minute lifeline, converting a penalty after a handball offence by Tom Dallison.
Sunderland’s defeat saw them drop to third place in the four-team group, with the top two progressing to the last 16.
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Hide AdBut group leaders Exeter, Brighton and the Wearsiders are all level on six points apiece. Exeter have only played three games, to their rivals’ four.
Sunderland U23s: Stryjek, J Robson, Hume, Gamble, Taylor, Storey, Diamond (Young 89), Embleton, Connelly, Kimpioka, Hackett (Kokolo 89). Subs not used: Woud, Brotherton, Allan