The story of the day as dominant Sunderland claim pre-season victory at Harrogate Town
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats have drawn with National League North opposition in Spennymoor Town and York City this summer, while putting in an impressive performance against Scottish top flight side Hearts last weekend.
And head coach Lee Johnson will be hoping for another encouraging display as the side head to North Yorkshire once again – this time to take on League Two outfit Harrogate Town
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Hide AdThe game, which will be played behind closed doors, could see Luke O’Nien make his first public appearance of pre-season after penning a new contract.
Summer signings Corry Evans and Callum Doyle could again feature, but the fixture is set to come too soon for Alex Pritchard.
Away from the clash, Sunderland are also hopeful of some boosts when it comes to player recruitment in the near future.
Our team of Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly will be bringing you the latest from The EnviroVent Stadium.
FT: Harrogate Town 0-4 Sunderland AFC (Embleton 11, 15, Winchester 40, Taylor 68)
Key Events
- Sunderland head to Harrogate Town in their fourth pre-season friendly.
- Luke O’Nien, Bailey Wright, Will Grigg and Carl Winchester could all return.
- The game will now be played behind closed doors after a late update.
- Sunderland XI: Patterson, Winchester, Neil, Evans, Doyle, Flanagan, Diamond, O’Nien, O’Brien, Stewart, Embleton
Here we go!
The two teams emerge from the tunnel and we’re almost ready to get under way.
Stick with us for all the action from the EnivroVent Stadium...
4 - A cagey start
Both teams are showing some attacking intent early on, with Sunderland looking particularly lively down the left where Neil and Diamond are teaming-up well.
No chances to report just yet, though.
6 - That was better from Sunderland...
O’Nien bravely wins a header just outside the Harrogate box before chasing down the ball.
He keeps it in play before fizzing in a dangerous low cross - with Oxley claims before a Sunderland attacker can connect.
7 - A big chance for Harrogate!
The first real chance of the game falls to the hosts.
Pattison surges forward before unleashing a powerful drive, which Patterson in the Sunderland goal does well to get down and hold.
The same Harrogate man then curled narrowly over moments later, with the League Two side starting to get into their stride.
7 - A big chance for Harrogate!
The first real chance of the game falls to the hosts.
Pattison surges forward before unleashing a powerful drive, which Patterson in the Sunderland goal does well to get down and hold.
The same Harrogate man then curled narrowly over moments later, with the League Two side starting to get into their stride.
10 - CHANCE!
A first opening for Sunderland!
Diamond cuts in from the left and fires towards goal from 25 yards.
His wicked effort moves in the air and Oxley has to readjust and get a fist to it to keep it out.
That would have been some goal!
11 - GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLL! EMBLETON!
SUNDERLAND LEAD!
Embleton advances forward to the edge of the box, before firing low towards goal.
His effort takes a deflection which helps it into the bottom corner - but that was some fine work from the Sunderland man to get into that area and get the shot away.
1-0!