McManaman strikes late to boost the Cats
SUNDERLAND 3
Asoro (11), Williams (58), McManaman (90 + 6)
MIDDLESBROUGH 3
Bamford (49, 68), Leadbitter (pen, 53)
A dramatic late equaliser from Calllum McManaman prevented Middlesbrough from climbing into the top six as Sunderland earned a late draw.
Bottom club Sunderland had Jake Clarke-Salter sent off and Adama Traore followed him down the tunnel before the half-time whistle had even been blown, which paved the way for goals galore after the break.
At that point Sunderland had the lead courtesy of Joel Asoro’s 11th minute opener and there was hope on Wearside that they could end a run of five games without a win.
But Middlesbrough looked like claiming a crucial three points in the battle for promotion.
Patrick Bamford (49) and a penalty from Grant Leadbitter (53) had put the visitors ahead before Jonny Williams levelled things up five minutes later.
Bamford was at it again with 22 minutes remaining though to restore Middlesbrough’s advantage and that was how it stayed until six minutes of stoppage-time had passed when McManaman struck.
Sunderland had looked promising before the first half had the red cards to spice things up even further.
But there wasn’t much for either goalkeeper to do and that was reflected in the scoreline, with Sunderland’s positive start rewarded with the opener.
Adam Matthews’ long throw into the area saw Maja’s back somehow flick the ball between George Friend and Ben Gibson. Then Asoro was able to get between Daniel Ayala and Ryan Shotton to finish. Asoro and Maja’s teenage energy caused problems and they were only handed the chance together because of Ashley Fletcher’s unavailability against his parent club.
Sunderland looked in control but then Clarke-Salter’s reckless lunge in the 24th minute completely missed the ball and wiped out Traore and the red card was shown immediately. Traore’s every touch was booed by Sunderland fans after that although he was only on the pitch 13 more minutes. Moments after he had wasted a fantastic chance from just inside the area by missing the target, he was involved in a tangle near the post and it led to the Middlesbrough winger raising his forearm to Bryan Oviedo. Referee Tim Robinson issued his second red card after referring with his assistant.
Traore is likely to be charged too after he had to be held back from complaining to the fourth official as he left the field. Middlesbrough had to find a way of getting Britt Assombalonga involved more after being handed the chance to replace Rudy Gestede, who will miss the rest of the season with a fractured ankle.
The second half was even more frantic. Within eight minutes of the restart Middlesbrough had gone ahead.
Bamford’s brilliance made it 1-1 when he turned in the area after controlling Friend’s knockdown. Four minutes later Leadbitter put them ahead from the spot after Assombalonga was brought down by Camp. Sunderland soon had it level again though when Oviedo got to the line and his cut back was side-footed inside the bottom corner by Williams.
But Sunderland fell behind a second time when Bamford, who had also wasted another chance, rounded Camp and then found the empty net moments after he was switched to the middle.
There were chances at both ends after that but it was McManaman’s back post volley from Oviedo’s deep corner that earned a share of the spoils.