The story of the evening as Sunderland are held to draw at York City - with key men absent
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats began their preparations for the new League One season with a draw at Spennymoor Town, before then putting in an impressive performance during a 2-0 win against Hearts on Saturday.
Lee Johnson will be hoping that his side can build upon that fine showing as they head to the York Community Stadium this evening in their third public pre-season outing.
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Hide AdA similar squad is expected to take part in the fixture, although Sunderland could welcome back some of their previous absentees for this evening’s fixture.
A crowd of up to 2,000 will watch the game this evening, with the Minstermen looking to take another scalp after beating Newcastle United on Saturday.
Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly will be at the game for the Echo, bringing you team news, updates, analysis, reaction and more from the game.
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FT: York City 1-1 Sunderland AFC (Willoughby 52; Neil 29)
Key Events
- Sunderland head to York City this evening (7pm kick-off)
- The Black Cats will be looking to build on a positive performance in the 2-0 win at Hearts on Saturday
- Callum Doyle and Corry Evans could both be involved - but Luke O’Nien may miss out through injury
- Sunderland XI: Burge, Younger, Flanagan, Doyle, Dyce, Neil, Evans, Gooch, Embleton, McGeady, Stewart
Not long to go now!
And Sunderland are going through the final stages of their warm-up.
As expected, the side are warming-up a back four with Oliver Younger at right-back.
Aiden McGeady’s name has just received a big cheer from the crowd - here’s hoping he can replicate his performance from Saturday!
Here we go...
The two teams emerge from the tunnel on the immaculate playing surface - a chorus of ‘Ha’way The Lads!’ greets the visiting side!
Aiden McGeady leads out the Black Cats and will wear the armband this evening.
1 - Aaaaaaand we’re off!
Sunderland get the ball rolling!
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has just taken his place in the stand for this evening’s fixture.
3 - A positive start from Sunderland
The Black Cats have begun brightly here, and have been asking most of the early questions.
There’s been no clear-cut chances as of yet though - although Corry Evans did send a speculative early drive over the bar.
6 - A better spell from York
The hosts win two successive corners, the first of which is begging for a touch but flashes across the face of goal.
King’s second delivery then lands on the roof of the net.
7 - CHANCE!
The best chance of the game so far falls to Sunderland and Gooch.
The winger cuts in from the right and curls goalwards, but his effort is repelled by Whitley in the York goal.
McGeady tries to connect with the rebound, but the hosts clear their lines well.
11 - Sunderland well on top
The visitors are seeing plenty of the ball and are dominating play here, albeit without really creating anything since that Gooch chance.
York look a threat on the break, although they’re yet to test Burge.
16 - A bright start from Sunderland, in their bright away kit!
It’s still Sunderland dominating possession, but that final ball or moment of real quality in the final third is just proving elusive.
Embleton has impressed in the number ten role so far, and has been causing the York backline some problems.
19 - CHANCE!
McGeady has asked plenty of questions on the left flank and just came close to an opening.
He cut in-field before firing goalwards - but a brave York block kept the winger at bay.