Sunderland 1 Bradford 1: Story of the night as visitors win penalty shootout and Cats top Papa John's Trophy group
Sunderland endured another frustrating night as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Bradford before losing a penalty shootout in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Lee Johnson named a strong side as the hosts came from behind courtesy of Nathan Broadhead’s equaliser, which cancelled out Theo Robinson’s opener in 90 minutes.
The draw means Sunderland have finished top of their group and will be drawn at home in the next round.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdYet the Black Cats have now gone four games without a win in all competitions, with over a week to go ahead of a meeting with promotion rivals Ipswich in League One.
Here’s how the game played out:
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOur aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor
RECAP: Sunderland 1 (Broadhead, 52) Bradford 1 (Robinson, 36) [Bradford win 4-2 on penalties]
We’re heading to a penalty shootout but Sunderland have got the point they need to top the group and secure a home tie in the next round.
We’ll play the shootout anyway.
Both clubs will receive £5,000 each for drawing the match but won’t get any extra for winning the shootout.
That was so nearly the winner after Pritchard won a free-kick on the edge of the box.
His effort hit the bar.
A nasty clash between Taylor and Foulds saw both players hit the deck.
They were down for a while but will both be able to continue.