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
41 - CHANCE!
Diamond is the next to threaten for Sunderland.
After another strong spell of pressure, the wideman shows some trickery to open up space for the shot - before seeing his low effort well-held by the home goalkeeper.
43 - A chance for the hosts now...
Taylor spins on the edge of the box and sends a powerful strike narrowly wide of the near post.
That was close...
45 - We’re into added time...
And there’s three minutes added on at the end of the half (yes, it appears we’re playing halves now!)
HT: SPENNYMOOR 0-1 SUNDERLAND
The Black Cats lead at the break thanks to that Aiden O’Brien goal.
We’re expecting wholesale changes at the interval...
Looks like lots of changes are coming
Sunderland’s entire bench are out to warm-up and it looks like we could see an entirely new team for the second half.
Jacob Carney, who signed yesterday, is also here.
45 - The second half is under way!
And there’s ELEVEN changes for Sunderland!
The team now appears to be: Patterson; Dyce, Jessup, Almond, Kachosa; Wearne, Sohna, Wilding, Dunne, Harris, Taylor
In a 4-3-3.
48 - GOAL SPENNYMOOR
Dyce gives away a free-kick on the corner of the box - despite home appeals for a penalty.
The delivery is excellent and is met by an equally good header, which is thumped home by Tait.
1-1.
52 - GOAL SPENNYMOOR
The hosts now lead.
And it’s another set piece goal - Taylor’s header from a corner was blocked on the line by Dyce, before Kennedy reacted quickest to prod home.
2-1 to Spennymoor.
62 - Little to report at present
Sunderland’s young side are growing into this - but they’re yet to really trouble the home goalkeeper in this second period.
Spennymoor, meanwhile, are trying to get forward whenever possible - but Patterson hasn’t had much to do of late.