Exactly what happened and who impressed as Sunderland U23s beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats beat Stoke City in their semi-final tie last week to set-up a clash against the Eagles at Selhurst Park.
And the two sides will lock horns this evening looking to claim promotion to the top tier of Premier League 2 – joining the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.
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Hide AdElliott Dickman will once again be able to call upon the likes of Josh Hakwes, Oliver Younger and Dan Neil for the clash, and Sunderland will no doubt be buoyed by the fact they defeated Palace earlier this season.
So can they repeat the trick on the big stage?
Mark Donnelly will be at the game for the Echo, providing live updates and analysis from the big under-23 promotion showdown:
FT: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland U23s (Crystal Palace win 5-3 on penalties)
Key Events
- Sunderland’s under-23 side face Crystal Palace in the Premier League 2 Division 2 play-off final this evening
- The Black Cats will gain promotion if they can claim victory at Selhurst Park (7pm)
- Elliott Dickman could call upon a similar side to that which beat Stoke City last week.
21 - CHANCE!
Another opportunity from range for Sunderland.
Palace make a mess of clearing a cross from the left flank and the ball eventually falls kindly to Hackett - who drills over from 25 yards.
After a cagey opening, it’s starting to open up here...
26 - YELLOW CARD
Younger is the first name in the book after a trip on Street after he tried to break down the right flank.
29 - WHAT A SAVE!
What a big chance for Sunderland!
Taylor swings in a cross from the right and Neil steams into the box and connects with a powerful header.
It’s arrowing towards the top corner, but Webber springs to his right and somehow pushes the ball over the bar!
A brilliant save, and the Palace ‘keeper keeps the scores level.
30 - A comfortable save for Palace
Hannam cuts in from the left and drills low towards the near post.
It’s an easy save for Patterson, who holds comfortably.
36 - Ten minutes until the break...
And the game is still pretty evenly-matched here.
Sunderland have undoubtedly had the better chances, but Palace look a threat in the final third.
39 - CHANCE!
A moment of quality from Hawkes there to deliver a cross from deep.
It’s into a dangerous area and Harris looks to connect, but Webber gets there first - spilling then claiming at the second attempt.
41 - CHANCE!
Sunderland well on top here, and the Black Cats are creating some excellent chances.
Hawkes bursts forward and looks to curl towards the bottom corner, but Webber gets down well to tip his effort away - with Harris then unable to force the rebound home.
A good showing from the visitors thus far.
44 - What an opportunity for Palace!
The hosts should really be ahead here.
After D Boateng broke down the right and found Street, his low centre looked set to be turned home by Rak-Sakyi - who somehow blazed over from six yards.