Poyet Comes Out Top In 'Battle Of The Reserve Sides'

07 November 2013 10:50
The Southampton fans must have been sickened to arrive on Wearside to see Mauricio Pochettino put out a reserve side.

That's 278 miles, and Google claim a road trip lasting 5hrs 23min.

Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino made 10 changes to the side which drew 1-1 at Stoke on Saturday, while Gus Poyet retained only four of the men who lined up at Hull the same day, and it took 59 minutes for the game to come to life.

Defender Wes Brown, whose last competitive start for the Black Cats came on January 29 last year, climbed at the far post to turn Adam Johnson's free-kick back across goal and when former Sunderland goalkeeper Kelvin Davis could only parry striker Jozy Altidore's header, full-back Phil Bardsley stabbed home the rebound.

Seb Larsson made it 2-0, the Saints pulled one back at the death, and Sunderland are in the quarter finals of the League Cup - just two games away from Wembley.

Capital One Cup draw

Fifth-round draw:

Leicester v Manchester CityStoke v Manchester UnitedSunderland v ChelseaTottenham v West Ham

Ties to be played week commencing December 16.

It's usually at this stage the big clubs start taking the competition seriously, but there is no mistaking, the match with Chelsea certainly brightens up (what has been) a difficult season.

Sunderland Fixtures 

Sunday November 1014:05 Premier LeagueSunderland v Manchester City  

Saturday November 2315:00 Premier LeagueStoke City v Sunderland  

Saturday November 3015:00 Premier LeagueAston Villa v Sunderland 

Source: Sunderland-Mad

Source: FOOTYMAD