Albion knocked out of FA Youth Cup by Sunderland

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Albion lose 4-1 to Black Cats.

Luke Nicoli

2026-02-24T23:00+00:00

Adam Brett shows his frustration during the defeat to Sunderland. 📸 by Simon Davies.

Albion’s FA Youth Cup hopes ended at the fifth-round stage following a comprehensive 4-1 defeat away to Sunderland.

The Seagulls came into the game on the back of victories in the competition against Spurs and QPR, likewise a three-game unbeaten run in the league, but found themselves 3-0 down inside the first half an hour.

The opening goal arrived on ten minutes when a low Bayley Hester drive was palmed away by Liam Doyle. Tom Proctor – son of former Black Cats midfielder Michael – took the resulting corner and his dangerous inswinging ball flew over the Albion defence before nestling in the back of the net.

Tyler Silsby created Albion’s first opportunity when he cut in from the left before unleashing a 20-yard effort that flashed narrowly wide of Black Cats goalkeeper Joseph Cowan.

Steve Menzies and Tomer Hemed oversaw the team, following the departure of Bjorn Hamberg last week. 📸by Simon Davies.

Sunderland then doubled their account on 22 minutes when a well-worked move resulted in Marcus Neill – son of former Blackburn defender Lucas – firing home with a first-time effort.

With momentum in their favour, the hosts made it three just five minutes later when Finn Geragusian was left unmarked and he calmly slotted home off Doyle’s right-hand post.

To their credit, Albion responded positively with Henry Kasvosve dragging an effort wide while Adam Brett had a close-range effort beaten out by Cowan.

Silsby and Brett brought further good saves out of the Sunderland keeper while there were calls for a penalty when Cowan collided with Kasvosve.

Henry Kasvosve waits for a ball to be crossed into the box. 📸 by Simon Davies.

Albion’s hopes were raised in a stop-start opening to the second half when midfielder Charlie Forsyth was sent off for a second yellow card on the hour mark.

The visitors took advantage of the extra man and were handed a lifeline in the 72nd minute when Silsby’s close-range effort was well saved, leaving Brett to bundle home the rebound.

Freddie Simmonds also saw a header saved by Cowan but as Albion pushed forward, the hosts always looked a danger on the break.

They netted a fourth three minutes from time when Geragusian tapped home after Archie Lightfoot’s effort had been saved by Doyle.

The Black Cats now face Manchester United in the last eight, while the Seagulls return to league action at Southampton on Saturday.

Albion: Doyle, Alakiu, Simmonds, Ademola (45 Palmer A), Outen (75 Parsons), Middleton, Lane (75 Palmer B), Crutchett (70 Anah), Silsby, Brett, Kasvosve.