Sunderland 1 Rangers 0 RECAP: Game called off after Luke O'Nien goal in pre-season friendly
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The Black Cats took a first-half lead when Luke O’Nien converted Alex Pritchard’s in-swinging corner, yet a power cut at Estadio Municipal de Albufeira meant the match wasn’t able to resume.
Both sets of players returned to the pitch and waited over 30 minutes before the game was called off.
Here’s how the first half played out:
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LIVE: Sunderland vs Rangers
Key Events
- Sunderland lead Rangers 1-0 at half time through a Luke O’Nien goal
- We’ll have live updates and analysis from Estadio Municipal de Albufeira in Portugal.
- SAFC XI: Patterson; Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Cirkn; Evans, Neil; Roberts, Pritchard, Embleton; Stewart
- Rangers XI: McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Katic, Barisic; Davis, Arfield; Kent, Lundstram, Wright; Colak
Team news reaction
Sunderland have named what can’t be far off being their strongest side.
Bailey Wright isn’t ready to feature yet, not is Niall Huggins. You’d expect the likes of Danny Batth, Lynden Gooch etc to push for inclusion ahead of the season but a big chance for the core of last season’s side to put a marker down.
Should be a good game. It is still sweltering here in Albufeira, which you’d think will have an impact on the tempo of the game.
Rangers name their XI
And it’s former Sunderland favourite Jon McLaughlin in goal.
Strong team, with new signing Antonio Colak up front.
Phil Smith's tour diary
The Echo’s chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith is providing in-depth coverage of the Portugal tour including friendlies with Rangers and Roma.
Read his first tour diary from Estadio Municipal de Albufeira HERE
Team news for tonight
Bailey Wright is unlikely to feature tonight as his international exploits mean he is a little behind his team-mates.
Jack Clarke will also not be involved but otherwise the core of the side who won promotion will be in action, plus a potential debut for Dan Ballard.
The opposition both tonight and on Wednesday, against AS Roma, is prestigious and of high quality, and this is in itself a sign of how the picture has changed for the club since promotion.
Jack Clarke on Sunderland return
Jack Clarke on Sunderland return: “I’m absolutely delighted to be back because I really enjoyed my time here last season. It felt right to return and after winning promotion to the Championship last season, I’m excited to play my part in the next step of our journey.
“We have a good balance in the squad and a great bond in the dressing room, so I believe we can continue to progress as a team and enjoy another successful season.”
Jack Clarke is back!
Sunderland have re-signed winger Jack Clarke from Tottenham on a four-year deal, following his loan spell at the Stadium of Light last season.
The 21-year-old has signed for the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee and joined up with his team-mates in Portugal.
Sunderland boss Alex Neil told the club’s website: “Jack is a player with huge potential.
“We had him last season and I think he grew stronger and stronger as the season went on, but the most important thing for him is that he’s now our player.
“He has obviously got quality, but what he needed to do was find a home and we have managed to provide that. Jack enjoys it here and for us, we are pleased to have the deal across the line as it adds another attacking option.”
Good Evening
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Sunderland’s pre-season friendly against Rangers.
We’ll have live updates and analysis from Estadio Municipal de Albufeira as Alex Neil’s side step up their preparations for the 2022/23 Championship campaign.
Stick around and refresh the page to follow the action.