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
8 - Penalty shouts from the hosts!
The ball bounces up and strikes Wright in the chest.
There are penalty appeals from the Spennymoor players and fans who sensed a handball, but there’s nothing doing.
11 - GOOOO-NO!
Sunderland have the ball in the net - but it won’t count.
Embleton plays a defence-splitting pass through to Stewart who takes it down well before prodding home.
But the striker had strayed marginally offside just before connecting with the pass.
15 - Sunderland are growing into this
The Black Cats are starting to see a lot more of the ball here and are getting into some promising areas.
But they’re yet to seriously test Spennymoor’s trialist goalkeeper.
18 - A break in play with Moke down for Spennymoor
Embleton and the home midfielder both went into a challenge and Moke has been left in some pain.
The stretcher has now been called for, and he looks unable to continue.
25 - OFF THE POST!
Sunderland are dominating the ball and have just come within inches of opening the scoring.
Grigg did well to hold onto the ball before finding O’Briwn, whose low shot beat the trialist goalkeeper - only to come back off the pot.
Much better from the Black Cats.
27 - GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLL!
O’Brien puts Sunderland ahead!
Stewart whips in a cross from deep on the right flank and the home goalkeeper flaps at it - allowing O’Brien to pounce and fire home at the back post.
1-0!
32 - Things are getting feisty now!
Mulhern slides in late on Diamond and gets a strong talking to.
You’d say that would definitely be a booking in a regular fixture...
35 - GREAT CLEARANCE!
Taylor manages to get to the byline and drills a fine low cross across the face of goal.
It’s begging for a touch and Spennymoor players are queuing up to apply it - only for Flanagan to intercept and clear the danger.
A vital clearance.