Watmore closer to comeback after run-out with U23s

DUNCAN Watmore took another step towards a first-team comeback as he completed 70 minutes of Sunderland U23s’ Premier League 2 defeat against West Ham United.

The winger played 45 minutes for the U23s at Manchester City last weekend in his first outing since rupturing his cruciate ligament last December, and he was given a longer run-out against the Hammers in front of boss Simon Grayson at Eppleton.

Watmore looked lively against the Hammers and forced keeper Nathan Trott into a couple of important saves in the first half.

But Elliott Dickman’s side saw their winless streak in the league extend to five games, as goals from Toni Martinez and Martin Samuelsen inside the first halfhour gave West Ham victory.

Luke Molyneux reduced the deficit before half-time but despite putting the visitors under heavy pressure in the second period, Sunderland could not force an equaliser.

Watmore’s performance was the major positive Sunderland could take from the game, however, and he went close to opening the scoring three times in the first 20 minutes.

First he seized on a poor defensive header to race through on goal, but Trott saved with his feet before the striker could get his shot away.

A few minutes later, Watmore controlled Owen Gamble’s rightwing cross and hit a low shot which Trott was equal to. Then Trott foiled Watmore again on 19 minutes, after the forward had cut inside the area from the left.