Match report: Gateshead 2-2 Sunderland U21 (5-4 pens)

Sunderland U21’s came back from two goals down to rescue a draw before losing out on penalties in their third National League Cup Group C match.

Luke Hannant gave the hosts the lead in the 52nd minute and less than five minutes later their lead was doubled after Jovan Malcom slotted home in the 56th minute Piling the pressure on the Black Cats.

Sunderland responded quickly through Adil Aouchiche in the 63rd minute and the scores were pulled level as Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi fired home in the 68th minute.

Ogunsuyi, who was nominated for the PL2 player of the month award in November, was rewarded with another start in the lineup looking to continue his great form with Graeme Murty making seven changes from Saturdays defeat to Manchester City.

Sunderland controlled the first half enjoying lots of possession but ultimately failed to create any clearcut chances. Their best opening fell to star striker Ogunsuyi who could only flash his shot wide of the post with the teams level at the break.

Gateshead upped the intensity in the second half and were rewarded with the opening goal as Hannant found himself free on the edge of the 18-yard box firing the shot in at the near post.

The hosts looked keen to add to their lead and it was Malcom who latched onto a long ball over the top of the Black Cats defence and managed to beat his man with a clever step over before firing home another sensational finish.

Sunderland worked their way back into the game just five minutes later Milan Aleksic had his initial effort palmed into the feet of Aouchiche who slotted home to half the deficit.

Just moments after getting back into the game Sunderland were level after Ogunsuyi chased down a loose ball to poke home past Gateshead keeper Owen Mason.

Sunderland gained momentum towards the end and had the best chance to win the game as Abdoullah Ba had his strike saved by Mason and Aouchiche’s follow up was blocked on the line meaning it was penalties to decide who would get the extra point in Group C.

Eventual man of the match Mason denied Ba which was the only miss of the shootout meaning Gateshead gain the extra point as the Black Cats fall just short.

Sunderland now have a break until they face Arsenal in the PL2 on Monday 16th December in a trip to Meadow Park.