How Black Cats’ Diamond and Hawkes performed while out on loan
Sunderland sent two promising youngsters out on loan before the summer transfer window closed, with Jack Diamond joining Harrogate Town and Josh Hawkes joining Tranmere Rovers.
Both made their debuts this weekend, though it is Diamond’s second spell at Harrogate,whoarenowtopofLeague Two. Diamond played the full gameinaneventful3-1winover Mansfield Town, who finished with nine men.
Ex-Hartlepool United forward Rhys Oates had given the Stags an early lead when he headed home from a free-kick in the third minute.
Harrogate, though, were soon level when another former Pools striker Luke Armstrongnoddedinfromacorner and Jack Muldoon put them in frontduringfirst-halfstoppage time.
There was a flashpoint in the 73rd minute when Ollie Clarke was dismissed for bringing down Town forward Diamond.
Players from both sides then squared up, with Mansfield midfielder Stephen Quinn shown a red card for clashing with Josh Falkingham. Once calm had been restored, Harrogate went on to make their extra men count with nine minutes left when George Thomson headed in from a corner.
Meanwhile, Hawkes made a big impact off the bench in their 1-0 win over Hartlepool United, setting up Tranmere’s winner.
He was a 73rd minute sub against former club Pools.
Tranmere boss Micky Mellon hailed a valuable victory afterTomDaviesheadedadramatic late winner.
The defender converted new-boy Hawkes’ cross in the 89th minute for a smash-andgrab win against a Pools side who threatened throughout.
Mellon,whoseteamscored just their second league goal of the season, said: “Josh Hawkes is a really talented lad and we are pleased to have him here, his delivery for big Davies’ header was terrific and he had a big impact when he came on.
“We had to dig in and find a way and got a great result.
“We have had a good week and being honest we still need to score more goals and create more chances because this is a big club and the atmosphere is electric.”
Sunderland had a free weekend as their trip to Sheffield Wednesday was postponed due to international call-ups. Lee Johnson’s side returntoactionattheStadiumof Light next weekend when AccringtonStanleyvisitWearside on Saturday.