Pure Poyetry: Hartlepool 0 SAFC 0 – Hartlepool 0 SAFC Development Squad 3

Malcolm Dawson writes…unlike Saturday today was a scorcher until we got to Monkey Hanging country that is, where it was overcast and I was glad I had taken a fleece with me. Three thousand, two hundred and fifty two Sunderland fans were in Victoria Park to watch Gus’s men in action for 60 minutes, then like last night at Carlisle, a brand new team of 11 Development Squad players hopeful of catching the manager’s eye for the final third. And very good they were too. A full eye-witness account will come tomorrow but for now hear what Senor Poyet had to say in his post match e-mail to M Salut and the world in general.

Dear Colin,

You don’t usually have the chance in football when 11 players come on, really fit, for the last 30 minutes that want to make an impact and show that they want to be a part of the first team.

They’re young, show plenty of ability and know how to play together, and it was nice for them to enjoy playing in front of so many people. Normally you don’t get that chance when you’re in the under-21s.

We were a bit worried [about Andrew Cartwright] because he took a big knock and was a little bit dizzy, so we’re dealing with the situation first to make sure nothing’s wrong.

It was a clash of heads so he probably won’t remember that he scored two goals today!

Again, I think it’s important we look at the youth in the Academy and give those players the opportunity to perform.

It was a better quality [than Carlisle by the team that played the first hour]. We didn’t score, but overall I thought it was a better performance.

I’m not too worried about results in pre-season – it’s about performances and getting the fitness to be ready.

Thanks for your support,

Gus Poyet