The story of the day as Aiden McGeady's brace fires Sunderland to encouraging pre-season win at Hearts
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After a draw at Spennymoor Town a fortnight ago, followed by two behind closed doors fixtures against local opponents last weekend, the Black Cats headed to Tynecastle ready for a step-up in opposition.
Lee Johnson’s side have been based in Edinburgh for the majority of the week as part of a pre-season training camp and will hope to end a fruitful week with victory against the Scottish Premiership side.
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Hide AdThe game could saw summer signings Corry Evans and Callum Doyle handed their debuts – while Aiden McGeady featured for the first time since penning fresh contracts.
A number of the club’s promising youngsters were also be involved.
Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly were at the game for The Echo, bringing you build-up, team news, match coverage, analysis, insight, reaction and more from the pre-season fixture – which you can relive here.
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FT: Hearts 0-2 Sunderland AFC (McGeady 15, 42)
Key Events
- Sunderland travel to Tynecastle in their second public pre-season friendly.
- Lee Johnson is again set to experiment with his squad ahead of the new League One season.
- SAFC XI: Patterson, Winchester, Doyle, Flanagan, Dyce, Neil, Embleton, McGeady, Gooch, O’Brien, Stewart
58 - Still no real chances
Sunderland are knocking the ball about well and controlling the game, but they’re yet to threaten netting a third goal.
Patterson, meanwhile, has been largely untroubled.
61 - A chance for Hearts!
Just before that triple change, Popsecu came close for the hosts.
He nodded just wide of the far post from a corner.
67 - A tactical tweak for Sunderland now
They’re playing a 4-2-3-1 with Richardson at right-back and Winchester pushing into midfield.
Grigg is leading the line with McGeady and Diamond either side.
75 - The sting has gone out the game a little here
The changes have disrupted any rhythm and the game is petering out a little.
Sunderland are preparing some more changes with Wilding, Younger and Taylor ready to enter the fray.
78 - OFF THE POST!
Almost a goal back for Hearts.
A corner is cleared as far as Smith whose low drives has Patterson beaten - but cannons back off the post.
86 - Into the final few minutes
And the game has really died down now.
Sunderland playing the ball between themselves comfortably but no sniff of goalmouth action at either end in the last few minutes.