Sunderland let lead slip in derby encounter

Sunderland Broom firsts had to settle for a 2-2 derby stalemate when they made the short trip to Newcastle University.

In the bottom of the table clash, the victors would see three points incredible vital in their quest for survival.

Newcastle began the quicker and pushed high up on Sunderland. Neil Sparrowhawk led the defence well against some early pressure.

Andy Brown broke down the left and received a superb aerial pass from Samuel Evans.

As the Newcastle keeper approached, Evans calmly squared the ball for Andy Wilson to tap home.

Minutes later, Sunderland doubled their lead when Evans broke from left back, and after some interlocking play, took on the keeper. A keeper made a great save, but the ball landed at the feet of Andy Brown,whoswirledaround a defender before slipping a shot home past a diving keeper.

The second half didn’t go so well for Sunderland as they conceded after severe pressure from Newcastle.

A shot was deflected off Wilkinson past keeper Richard Whitham after a break down the left.

Newcastle salvaged a point after Sunderland couldn’t clear their lines, with the hosts tapping in.

Sunderland should have clinched the win in the dying minutes, but Matt Dench narrowly fired wide.

Sunderland s onds made a shocking start at home to Durham City as the visitors stormed into a 2-0 lead.

After half-time, Sunderland pulled a goal back through an excellent strike from Adam Denney following a fine through pass from Adam Pawley.

Despite further pressure, Sunderland were unable to convert any chances including a number of short corner opportunities.

Durham City then started to dominate again in the last 20 minutes and scored another well-worked goal.

Sunderland will need to be much sharper against Newcastle in the Second Teams Cup this weekend to progress in the competition.