The training exercise at the Brewery Field saw Sunderland name two entirely different line-ups for each half as the club took to the field for the first time since they returned to training earlier this week.
Lee Johnson named a senior side for the first half, with Aiden O’Brien’s close-range finish putting the Black Cats ahead at the break.
But Spennymoor Town quickly raced into a 2-1 lead after the interval, in which Sunderland introduced their under-23 and academy talents.
Ellis Taylor levelled the scores midway through the half though, as the game ended 2-2.
It will no doubt have been a beneficial afternoon for both squads during the early weeks of pre-season, but which of the club’s players took their opportunity to shine?
Here, Phil Smith looks at how every player fared in the club’s first outing of pre-season...
1. Lee Burge
Swept up well when required and didn’t have a great deal to do, apart from one decent low stop from a long-range effort late in the half. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. Bailey Wright
Battled comfortably enough with Spennymoor’s lively forward line, and looked at ease in the middle of the back three. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
3. Tom Flanagan
Made a couple of vital interceptions around the six-yard area to maintain Sunderland’s lead. Had plenty of work with the wing-backs advanced, but came through it. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Carl Winchester
Understandably looked a bit uncertain early on in a very unfamiliar position on the right of a back three. Grew into the half as it developed, stepping up nicely and getting involved as an extra player in midfield. Tidy. Photo: FRANK REID 2020