The Newcastle United Under-23 side earned the bragging rights in the Tyne-Wear derby, as a brace from Dylan Stephenson helped the Magpies to a 2-0 win against their fierce rivals.
The 18-year-old striker took his impressive tally for the season to 11 goals and two assists from 16 games.
Stephenson opened the scoring with a clinical close-range finish at Whitley Park.
At this stage Sunderland were already down to 10 men, following Patrick Almond’s red card after a dangerous challenge on Toon defender Brad Cross.
Newcastle’s prolific striker doubled his tally in the closing stages after Lucas De Bolle’s initial strike was parried into Stephenson’s path, who slotted home the rebound and helped his side to back-to-back Premier League 2 victories.
Stephenson’s goals gave Elliott Dickman, who was appointed Newcastle’s under-23s coach in October, victory against his former side.
With 10 goals in this year’s Premier League 2 campaign, only James McAtee (11), Dilan Markanday (11), and Folarin Balogun (14), currently have more than Stephenson at that level.
The youngster will be hoping that his impressive goalscoring performances catch the eye of Eddie Howe and result in him being rewarded with potential opportunities in the Newcastle first team.
The teenager is yet to make his debut for the senior Newcastle side, but with Dwight Gayle potentially leaving on loan in January, Stephenson could find himself bumped up the pecking order, if a new striker isn’t signed in the January transfer window.
Howe could also earmark the FA Cup third-round tie against League One side Cambridge United,at St James’ Park, as am opportunity to give some of the club’s talented youngsters, including Stephenson, their senior debuts.
Newcastle fans praise Dylan Stephenson
Stephenson’s latest match-winning performance has seen him come in for high praise by Newcastle United fans on social media….
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