University Of Manchester Firsts 4-1 University of Sunderland Firsts

Sam Donnalley scored the only goal of the game for Sunderland Firsts as they were knocked out of the cup after a 4-1 defeat against University of Manchester Firsts.  

Sunderland took an early lead after a fantastic finish by Donnalley gave them the breakthrough. 

Manchester scored just before half time to make it equal going into the break. In the second half, Manchester was more clinical in front of goal as they scored three goals to make sure they won the game 4-1 to seal their place in the next round.

Sunderland was looking to go for back-to-back victories against University of Manchester teams following a 3-1 victory against Manchester Seconds the week before.

Sunderland struck first inside 20 minutes when the ball bounced back out to Donnalley who hit it sweetly with his right foot into the top corner of the net. 

On the stroke of half time, Manchester equalised through a counter attack to make it 1-1 after a dangerous ball went across the box and was poked home. 

Manchester took the lead after half time when a ball from the right hand side found its way to the back post where it was slotted home.

A dominant second half display from Manchester saw plenty of opportunities come their way yet Sunderland held their own defensively including an effort which was brilliantly cleared off the line. 

In the last 10 minutes of the game, a Manchester free kick was whipped into the box and none of the Sunderland players could get to it before it was put in at the back post to make it 3-1.

As Sunderland chased the game late on Manchester were once again able to hit them on the break and sealed the result with a fourth goal.