SUNDERLAND deserved their 3-2 win over a Preston side that fought all the way at the Stadium of Light last night.
They looked to have clinched the game with their third goal five minutes from time through a Nathan Luscombe strike.
But in a frantic finale, the same player turned from hero to villain with a headed own goal to give the young Black Cats a nervous l
ast few minutes.
Kevin Ball's lads were ahead after only 11 minutes. Striker Dave Dowson closed down Preston's Mark Bloxham to rob him on the byline and centre. The ball fell to Sunderland's Jamie Chandler, who slotted home from 10 yards.
Sunderland proceeded to play fluent football and, on 32 minutes, they doubled the lead.
Dowson again chased a ball out on the right and threaded a centre to find captain Robbie Weir, who drove low into the corner.
A minute later, goalscorer Chandler was stretchered off after a heavy collision. He was taken to hospital where it was later confirmed that he has suffered a suspected fracture of the tibia and will be out for several weeks.
The injury seemed to deflate the youngsters and Preston hit back. Striker Chris McGrail scored just after the hour, turning Richard Smith in the box and striking low past keeper Chris Backhouse.
Five minutes from time, Sunderland looked to have booked their place in the next round with a great goal. Weir floated a chip for Luscombe to control, race on and drive low across the keeper.
But just a minute from time, the same player headed into his own net after an unfortunate bounce.
Sunderland (4-4-2): Backhouse, Kay, Smith, McArdle, Liddle, Weir, Chandler (Henderson 33), Colback, Luscombe, Waghorn (Chapman 88), Dowson (Home-Jackson 67). Subs not used: Hunter, Madden.
Preston: Murphy, Aspin, Adams, McMahon, Bloxham (Collins 80), Finch, Maloney, Fairhurst, Higgins (Appiah 69), McGrail, Mainwareing (Conchie 81). Subs not used: Thompson,
