Abdoullah Ba’s second-half equaliser earned Sunderland AFC Under-21s a point on the night against Gateshead, but it was the hosts who claimed an additional point in the National League Cup group stage after a 4–3 victory in the ensuing penalty shootout. Graeme Murty’s side started brightly at the Gateshead International Stadium, dominating large spells of the opening third and creating several early chances. Timur Tutierov went close when he broke clear one-on-one, only to see his effort saved by Tiernan Brooks, before Ethan Moore rattled the crossbar with a fierce strike from the edge of the area. Despite Sunderland’s strong start, Gateshead took the lead shortly before half-time. A swift counter-attack saw Josh Home release Dom Telford, who slotted low into the bottom corner to make it 1-0. The Lads continued to press after the restart, with Moore once again denied by Brooks following a surging run through the middle. Jaydon Jones was next to test the Gateshead goalkeeper after being found by Ben Middlemas, but the hosts held firm until the hour mark. Sunderland’s persistence finally told when Tutierov split the defence with a pinpoint pass to find Moore. His shot was parried, but Ba was first to react and calmly finished the rebound to bring the sides level at 1-1. Neither team could find a winner in the closing stages, meaning the game was decided by penalties to determine who would earn the extra group-stage point. Middlemas stepped up first and converted confidently, but Jaydon Jones saw his effort saved by Brooks. Jay Matete was also denied, before Dan Cameron kept Sunderland in it with a superb stop from Callum Bone. Moore and Ba both scored to level the shootout at 3-3, but after Frank Nouble converted for the hosts, substitute Rhys Walsh saw his decisive effort saved as Gateshead clinched the bonus point with a 4-3 shootout win. The result sees Sunderland take a point from their third Group D fixture, with one match remaining away to Halifax Town next month. Murty’s side now turn their attention back to Premier League 2 action, as they host Stoke City at Eppleton CW this Saturday. SAFC: Cameron, Pembélé, Johnson (Holcroft), Kindon, Jenson Jones (Lightfoot), Jaydon Jones, Matete, Middlemas, Tutierov (Walsh), Ba, Moore. Unused subs: Allan, Neild, Dinsdale, Scott.
Our young lads played well imo., the less said about the experienced element the better, imo for anyone who missed the game Ba had a stinker and Pem and Matty were running if thats the word close. At least Anderson and Proveda try at this level , but the sooner this deadwood is out of the door the better, for all concerned. I wonder if Murty is saying the same thing, with great deal of tact in that interview.
