The story of the day as Sunderland's youthful squad draw at Spennymoor Town in pre-season opener
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats haven’t taken to the field since the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Lincoln City, but will today face the National League North side as their preparations for the 2021/22 begin.
Lee Johnson is likely to use the game – which is being played in three 30 minute segments – to experiment with his squad, while a number of under-23 players are set to be involved given Sunderland’s limited senior numbers at present.
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Hide AdOver 1,000 fans will be at the Brewery Field for the clash, which will be followed by trips to York City, Harrogate Town and Tranmere Rovers in the coming weeks.
Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly will be at the game for the Echo, bringing you the latest team news, match analysis and a stream of updates throughout the afternoon.
FT: Spennymoor Town 2-2 Sunderland (Tait 48, Kennedy 52; O’Brien 27, Taylor 68)
Key Events
- Sunderland travel to Spennymoor Town in their first pre-season friendly (3pm kick-off)
- The game will be played in three 30 minute periods
- Lee Johnson is set to hand opportunities to a number of young players as the Black Cats kick-off their 2021/22 season at the Brewery Field
Sunderland are out to warm-up
And it’s just the ten starting outfield players, both goalkeepers plus Sam Wilding, Josh Hawkes and Ellis Taylor out to warm-up at present.
Not long to go now...
And the rain is teeming down here at the Brewery Field!
Sunderland - who are expected to wear last season’s away kit for today’s training exercise - are just going through the final stages of their preparations.
Here’s why Oliver Younger misses out today...
Aiden McGeady, meanwhile, has a private engagement - and was unlikely to feature regardless given he only returned to training late this week.
Josh Hawkes has just left the Sunderland warm-up
As Sunderland head into the final stages of their warm-up, Josh Hawkes leaves the field alongside the club’s medical staff.
Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.
Sunderland are warming-up as a back three...
With Winchester, Wright and Flanagan as the three central midfielders.
Embleton and Neil are preparing as a pair, so could we see a 3-4-3 shape from the Black Cats today?
Here. We. Go....
Sunderland enter the pitch at the Brewery Field, with Dan Neil captaining the side today.
The Black Cats are wearing last season’s away kit today.
2 - Spennymoor start brightly
The hosts have shown plenty of endeavour early on and have had the first half-chance of the game - Taylor drilling well wide from 20 yards.
As expected, the Black Cats are in a 3-4-3 today - with Diamond as the left wing-back and Gooch on the right flank.
3 - CHANCE!
A first sight of goal for Sunderland.
Stewart is threaded into the area and his low ball across the face of goal is met by Grigg - but he just can’t get the power on the effort to slide it home.