A David Ball double and a third goal from James Poole saw the Blues second string defeat Sunderland and re-assert itself in the tight battle for the Barclay’s Premier Reserve League North title.

But City had to work exceptionally hard at Eppleton Colliery scoring all three goals after the break to edge out their hosts 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.

Ball’s winner came deep into injury time and made it four wins in five starts for Glyn Hodges’ young side.

The brace took Ball’s tally to six in those five games and the free-scoring Blues have now clocked up two fours and a three making them the section’s top scorers. Poole has three to his credit and is forming a useful partnership with Ball who was on the bench for the senior side in the recent Carling Cup win over Fulham.

The reserves' only blip was at home to Liverpool last week and their next outing will see them entertain Burnley on October 20.