Seconds hold high-flying Durham City

Sunderland Broom seconds continued their excellent unbeaten run with a superb defensive performance in a 0-0 draw away to Durham City thirds, the unbeaten promotion favourites and league leaders.

Both teams fielded strong squads, but City initially started the strongest.

Nevertheless, the Sunderland defence were on top form, with Tom Bradley, the visiting keeper, making some fine saves to keep Durham at bay.

In the second half, Sunderland produced an improved performance and passed the ball well, but Durham still had some fine scoring opportunities.

Sunderland skip per Steve Newby cleared a Durham chance off the line and keeper Bradley made sure the 0-0 draw was secured.

Despite missing four key players, Sunderland B room’ s first team produced a battling display, but ultimately lost 3-1 at home to Durham University.

Sunderland began well and the possession and passing around the back through Andy Scollen, Neil Sparrowhawk, Chris Brown and Graham Humble was excellent at times.

Keeper Andy Wilkinson made a couple of fine saves to keep the scores even.

However, Durham scored just before halftime. Despite Sunderland responding with a number of short corners, they were unable to convert any.

Sunderland started the second half as they did the first, but an unforced error led to a second goal for Durham.

To their credit, Sunderland kept persevering, with Andy Wilson, Andy Brown and Matt Dench all creating opportunities.

Sunderland pulled a goal back following some excellent individual work down the right from Andy Brown, resulting in an unstoppable strike to cut the deficit to 2-1.

B room then piled on the pressure, looking to find an equaliser and came close through Donald Kernoghan. Sunderland did hit the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out.

In the last few minutes, Durham hit a killer third goal, catching Sunderland out as they surged forward in search of an equaliser.

The firsts travel to topof-the-table Newcastle University this weekend.