Promotion bid hit by home loss

Sunderland Broom seconds’ outside chance of promotion was rocked by a disappointing 3-2 home loss to Jesmond Parish.

With a number of key players being promoted to the first team, Sunderland side were considerably weakened.

Nevertheless, they started well and scored early on, with a fine individual goal from Adam Pawley.

The game opened up in the second half and Jesmond equalised from open play.

Sunderland responded well to go 2-1 up, thanks to some fine individual stick work and a fierce strike at the top of the circle from young striker Robbie Potts.

But Jesmond kept fighting and levelled before snatching victory with a late penalty flick.

Joseph Dench, son of first-team striker Matt Dench, had a fine debut.

The seconds stayed in third place.

The much-changed firsts shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Tynedale.

Tynedale started strongly, but were denied the lead by two excellent saves from stand-in keeper Steve Newby, plus a fine clearance off the line by defender Andy Scollen.

Sunderland deservedly took the lead in the second half, with an excellent goal by in form striker Matt Dench (pictured), who smashed home a fierce strike at the top of the circle from a superb overhead pass from skipper Andy Brown.

However, Tynedale quickly fought back to equalise from open play.

Dench restored the Wearsiders’ lead, completing his brace with a tap-in at the far post following an excellent through pass from midfielder Neil Holmes.

Sunderland looked good for the victory, but, just before the end, Tynedale levelled it up again.

Sunderland remain comfortable in mid-table in the North East League’s Premier Division.

Newby and midfielder Dave Crew both enjoyed excellent games.