Sunderland AFC 0-0 Blackpool
Sunderland were held to a goalless draw against Blackpool at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening.
The Black Cats dominated proceedings in the opening 45 minutes, but despite registering 72% of the play the encounter remained level at the interval.
Elliot Embleton struck the crossbar during the early exchanges and others also threatened, as the Tangerines struggled to exit their defensive third and get a foothold in the game.
The Lads continued to press forward following the restart, but Anthony Patterson was tested and made two vital saves to ensure parity remained at the final whistle.
Tony Mowbray made one change for the midweek match-up, as Amad replaced Dan Neil and made his first start since joining on loan from Manchester United.
Edouard Michut was also included in the matchday squad for the first time, with the on-loan Paris-Saint Germain midfielder named amongst the substitutes.
Embleton helped fire the Tangerines to promotion in 2021 and he provided his former side with a reminder of his exploits in the 13th minute, as an audacious attempt clipped the crossbar.
Michael Appleton’s side responded with their first effort at goal, but Callum Connolly pulled his effort off target and fired wide from ten yards.
Sunderland dominated the opening half-hour, during which Blackpool remained camped in their defensive third, and Embleton forced Chris Maxwell into a flying save with 33 minutes played.
Amad and Patrick Roberts also saw shots blocked by an increasingly desperate visiting backline, with Jack Clarke curling over the top after a mazy run on the stroke of half-time.
After a deadlocked opening 45 minutes, the Lads picked up where they left off when Amad and Clarke roared into opposition territory before being crowded out.
Blackpool issued a warning shot shortly after, but Patterson was alert to narrow the angle and deny Marvin Ekpiteta.
The Sunderland stopper was forced into action again seconds later when Callum Wright headed at goal, with the Tangerines growing in confidence as the half wore on.
Michut made his debut with 14 minutes on the clock, following Neil, Abdoullah Ba, Leon Dajaku, Jewison Bennette into the fray ahead of the finale on Wearside.
Danny Batth headed straight at Maxwell from a corner and Clarke was also denied with seconds to spare, as Blackpool held on to deny the Black Cats all three points.
Sunderland AFC: Patterson; Gooch, O'Nien, Batth, Alese, Evans (Ba 67), Embleton (Neil 67), Pritchard (Michut 76), Clarke, Roberts (Dajaku 76), Amad (Bennette 57).
Subs not used: Bass, Wright.
Blackpool: Maxwell, Connolly, Ekpiteta, Thornily, Thompson, Wright, Dougall, Patino, Lavery (Corbeanu 66), Madine (Poveda 85), Yates.
Subs not used: Carey, Hamilton, Garbutt, Grimshaw, Bridcutt.