CATS WRESTLE POINT WITH A FULL NELSON
Andrew Nelson came off the bench to rescue a point for Sunderland Under-23s in last night’s second Premier League International Cup group game.
Buoye d by s c o r i n g h i s first goal on loan for National League North high-fliers Harrogate Town at the weekend, Nelson impressed in his late cameo ay Eppleton CW after Sunderland’s other attackers failed to make much headway against Polish visitors Legia Warsaw.
Caretaker first-team boss Robbie Stockdale watched the first half ahead of Saturday’s crucial Sky Bet Championship clash with Millwall.
The visitors dominated possession in the opening s ta ge s , w i th Su n d e rl a n d content to sit off and watch their opponents move the ball across their backline.
They were served early notice of the Legia threat when attacking midfielder Grzegorz Aftyka flashed an effort just wide of keeper James Talbot’s right-hand post.
Though the Polish side continued to see most of the ball, it was Sunderland who created the best chances, with Joel Asoro an inconsistent threat as he broke in behind the defence.
Right-back Owen Gamble went close with a long-range effort, swerving and bouncing just in front of Szumski in the Legia goal.
The keeper was able to get behind the effort but was lucky to see it roll just wide of his goal.
His second save, just minutes later, was far more emphatic, racing off his line to deny Asoro with his feet on the hour half mark.
Two minutes later, his side were a head , th e ball breaking to Robert Bartczak, the left-back who was a menace throughout with his overlapping runs.
Bartczak’s side-footed effort comfortably beat Talbot and from there the Black Cats were lucky to reach the break one down as Legia turned the screw.
The second half began at a sedate pace, with winger Luke Molyneux going closest for the Wearsiders as his effort from close range was deflected over the bar.
Sunderland were struggling to make much of an impact in the final third and coach Elliott Dickman acted quickly by removing the disappointing Asoro on the hour mark, with Harrogate Town loanee Nelson taking his place.
The hosts were able to apply some pressure without creating a clear opening, Nelson shooting tamely wide from range as the game entered the final 15 minutes.
Jac k D i a m o n d , wh o s e individual skill on the ball was a bright spot for Su n d e rl a n d th roug h out , we nt c l o s e, p i c k i n g up a Talbot throw on the halfway line and breaking towards the box. His left-foot effort was weak, however, drifting wide of goal.
But the Red and Whites were able to force an equaliser five minutes from time, substitute Nelso scoring with an emphatic finish on his left foot at the back post.