Sunderland Under-21s fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Premier League 2.
Sonny Finch opened the scoring for the hosts with Tommy Watson striking back in the second-half for his third goal in three games. George Gitau’s late strike for the Boro sealed all three points at the Stadium of Light.
Graeme Murty made one change to the side that faced Wolves with Marshall Burke replacing the injured Michael Spellman.
Seven minutes on the clock and the Black Cats nearly took the lead. Caden Kelly’s free-kick curling narrowly wide.
Just moments later, it was Watson’s turn to aim fire as the 18-year-olds left-footed effort also went just past the post.
The visitors took the lead with a third of the game played. Finch capitalising on a defensive error to open the scoring.
Trey Ogunsuyi came close to equalising five minutes on as the corner ball dropped to the Belgian international for his effort to be well held by Shea Connor.
The Black Cats were level with 30 minutes to play. Watson with some good pressing to win the ball back before firing the equaliser past Connor.
Ellis Taylor made his return from injury and almost had the Lads ahead just 30 seconds later. Watson again involved with the cross, but this time Connor was equal to Taylor’s back-post effort.
Mark Tinkler’s side secured victory with ten minutes left to play. Law McCabe’s low effort deflected off Gitau before dribbling past Adam Richardson.
Graeme Murty’s side return to Eppleton next Monday to host Liverpool in league action.
Sunderland AFC: Richardson, Lavery, Fieldson, Bell, Bainbridge, Burke (Taylor 60), Jones, Middlemas, Kelly, Watson, Ogunsuyi (Tutierov 80)
Substitutes: Chibueze, Jenson Jones, Ryder