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
68 - GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLL! TAYLOR!
Sunderland are level!
The young side have improved as the half as worn on and are now level.
After some good work on the right from Kachosa and Wilding, Taylor cut inside and thumped home a powerful strike from 16 yards.
2-2!
77 - The game is petering out a little
Chances are few and far between at the moment, but Sunderland are looking far more defensively solid than they were at the start of the half.
87 - WHAT A TACKLE!
Superb from Jessup!
As Taylor breaks through and looks se to slot home for the hosts, the Sunderland youngster slides in and manages to block his effort!
Great defending.
FT: SPENNYMOOR 2-2 SUNDERLAND
And that’s that from the Brewery Field!
Sunderland and Spennymoor draw in the pre-season training exercise.