Sunderland U23s 3-4 Norwich City U23s
Sunderland Under-23s lost out 4-3 to Norwich City in a seven-goal thriller on Friday afternoon.
Jacob Carney returned between the sticks after missing the opening two games, while Ellis Taylor started his first Premier League 2 fixture of the season after a spell with the first team.
Elliott Dickman also named Ollie Younger at the heart of defence, with top goalscorer Will Harris leading the line.
The visitors took the lead through Thomas Dickson-Peters early on, but it was cancelled out by Ellis Taylor inside 15 minutes, as he slammed home following a neat one-two with Benji Kimpioka.
Abu Kamara restored the City’s advantage moments later, before the Lads once again fought back and Will Harris equalised with a penalty, slotting home after Taylor won the spot kick.
The Canaries went ahead for the third time as Tony Springett powered home at the near post, as a frantic first half ended with the visitors ahead.
There was little in the way of chances after the interval, until substitute Vinnie Steels raced in behind and rolled the ball past the onrushing Dylan Berry in the visiting net.
But just as the Black Cats thought they had gained a valuable point after coming from behind three times, Jonathan Tomkinson headed home a 90th-minute winner to leave the Lads emptyhanded.
Next up is a trip to Birmingham City on Friday 10 September in the PL2.
Sunderland: Carney, Richardson, Newall, Wilding, Younger, Almond, Taylor (Dyce 86’), Sohna, Harris, Scott, Kimpioka (Steels 58’)
Subs not used: McIntyre, Jessup, Chapman