Russell-Denny and Kyerematen Lead Under-21s to Victory Over Stoke at bet365 Stadium
The Under-21s celebrated their first victory since the start of the year with a thrilling win over Stoke City. The match took place at the bet365 Stadium, where they triumphed 2-1 in their second Premier League 2 fixture since the winter break.
Match Summary
Wayne Burnett’s squad climbed to seventh place in a competitive league of 29 teams. They opened the scoring just four minutes into the game, showcasing a strong start.
Key Moments in the Match
- 4th Minute: Reiss Russell-Denny scored the first goal of the match after a well-executed play involving Luca Williams-Barnett and Tynan Thompson.
- Half-Time: The Under-21s maintained a 1-0 lead at the break, demonstrating control over the match.
- 56th Minute: Stoke City equalized with an outstanding free-kick by Chinonso Chibueze, leveling the score at 1-1.
- 78th Minute: Substitute Rio Kyerematen clinched the victory with a decisive goal, bringing the final score to 2-1.
Burnett’s side started on an impressive note, as Russell-Denny’s goal came from their first attack. Williams-Barnett skillfully maneuvered the ball into Stoke’s half, finding Thompson who delivered a pinpoint cross to Russell-Denny. The striker then calmly finished to put his team ahead.
After their early lead, the Under-21s remained vigilant against Stoke’s counter-attacks. Goalkeeper Luca Gunter was tested multiple times, making crucial saves to keep the team in front. His prompt reactions were essential following Stoke’s attempts to regain momentum.
This result marks an important step for the Under-21 team as they look to build on this victory and improve their standing in the league. With Russell-Denny and Kyerematen’s efforts, the squad is looking more confident as they move forward.
