Sunderland AFC Under-21s sealed an important victory over Liverpool in the final home game of the Premier League 2 campaign.
Lewis Koumas opened the scoring for the hosts before Harrison Jones and Timur Tutierov confirmed the comeback and three points at Eppleton.
Graeme Murty named two changes to the side that previously faced Middlesbrough with Ellis Taylor and Tutierov replacing Tom Lavery and Trey Ogunsuyi.
It was the visitors who took the lead with eight minutes on the clock. Koumas took advantage of a defensive slip before dispatching past Adam Richardson.
Caden Kelly almost levelled the contest just moments later, but the first-time strike was well saved by Fabian Mrozek.
The Lads were level with 18 on the clock. Kelly’s corner was initially palmed away by Mrozek, but Jones was on hand to fire home the equaliser.
Graeme Murty’s side should have had the lead just before the break. A fine flowing move resulted in Tommy Watson teeing up Timur Tutierov but his low effort was well saved the Liverpool number one.
Two minutes after the restart, Jones should have had his and the Black Cats’ second. Ben Middlemas found his midfielder partner inside the area, but the effort was wide of the mark.
That second goal did come but it was Timur Tutierov grabbing his first of the season. A great team goal saw Oli Bainbridge release Watson down the flank, the winger then beat his man to fire the ball across for Tutierov to apply the finishing touch.
Watson and Tutierov continued to threaten in the final stages with both players striking the bar.
A crazy few moments ensued with ten to play. Luke Bell made a marauding 40-yard run from defence to have an effort saved, the follow up from Tutierov was also saved before Kelly, in front of goal, fired over.
Despite the Reds’ attacking flurry in the closing stages, the Black Cats held on to jump up to seventh in the division and confirm a PL2 play-off place.
Sunderland AFC: Richardson, Taylor (Lavery 72), Fieldson, Bell, Bainbridge, Burke, Middlemas, Jones, Kelly, Watson, Tutierov (Ogunsuyi 78)
Substitutes: Chibueze, Whittaker, Ryder