Newcastle United humiliated by Sunderland as Dan Ashworth’s problems are highlighted

Mason Cotcher and Jake Waters put Sunderland 2-0 up in the first half before Ollie Harrison pulled a goal back for Newcastle on the stroke of half-time at the club’s Little Benton Academy. Ethan Moore restored Sunderland’s two-goal advantage before Cotcher grabbed his second of the game shortly afterwards.

A quick-fire brace from William Dowling, including a penalty, made it 6-1 to the Wearsiders by the hour mark. In the space of 20 minutes, Sunderland had found the net five times.

Louie Salkeld made it 7-1 to Sunderland in the closing stages before Scott Bailey netted a consolation in stoppage time.

The result leaves Newcastle second bottom of the Under-18s Premier League North while Sunderland remain second, four points behind leaders Manchester City with a game in hand.

It has been a difficult month for Graeme Carrick since beating Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-18s 6-1 as they were beaten 1-0 at Blackburn Rovers and 4-1 at Derby County before losing heavily in the mini Tyne-Wear derby.

Newcastle’s Under-21s side are also enduring a difficult spell as they sit third bottom of the Premier League 2 Division 2 and have won just one of their last 15 matches in all competitions.

Given the struggles on the pitch, it is perhaps no surprise that Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth has paid particular attention to the academy set-up since his official arrival last June. Several new recruitment and scouting roles have been established to help boost Newcastle’s recruitment drive and ability to spot emerging talent.