Harris’ late double sees Cats’ U23s escape Palace with the victory
curled the wrong side of the post from the edge of the box.
The hosts continued to push forward after the break with Wickham again failing to hitthetargetwithacloserange header – before Ellis Taylor then almost handed Sunderland an unlikely lead with a solo run before firing narrowly wide.
But as the half wore on, the Black Cats began to assert themselves on the game.
A fine ball from Newall picked out fellow trialist Greenfield whose fine touch allowed him to shoot, but his effort failed to trouble home stopper Oliver Webber.
The former Manchester United academy midfielder then saw a low drive repelled by Webber with Stephen Wearne unable to turn home the rebound.
JustastheWearsiderswere begin to enjoy a spell in the game, though, they fell behind – with O’Brien heading home after he was left unmarked from a corner.
It could have been two momentslaterwhenBrandonTaylorwasadjudgedtohavefouled substitute Victor Akinwale in the box. But Patterson sprung tohislefttotipawayMatthews’ spot kick, handing the Black
Catsachancetosalvageapoint from the game.
And the significance of that save was felt in the final moment of normal time when Harris managed to prod a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area – sparking celebrationsamongthetravelling contingent.
The celebrations would be even wilder moments later as Harris again pounced, rifling home from close range to seal the win with just seconds left on the clock. The triumph lifts Sunderland away from the foot of Premier League 2 as they prepare to face Burnley on Monday, March 29.
Sunderland XI: Patterson, Wombwell, B Taylor, Almond, Wilding, Newall, Hackett, Greenfield, E Taylor, Harris, Wearne. Subs not used: Beaumont, Bond, Kelly, Chapman.