Sunderland XI 3-1 Gateshead

27/07/2010, by Paul Reece

Gateshead lost their latest pre season friendly earlier today falling to a 3-1 defeat at the Academy of Light against a Sunderland side which included Marton Fulop, David Healy and Teemu Tainio.

First half strikes from Sunderland’s young midfielder Jordan Cook and Northern Ireland record goal scorer Healy set the black cats on their way to victory, before striker Jonny Allan give the visitors hope with a penalty before half time.

Gateshead failed to build on a promising start, with James Marwood’s pace causing problems for the home defence with an early run into the box almost producing the first chance of the game.

Nathan Fisher then forced experienced keeper Fulop into making a save after 12 minutes but his strike was comfortably saved.

Next it was the turn of right back Craig Baxter, who saw his free kick deflect harmlessly wide for a corner after 15 minutes.

However the resultant corner proved to be Gatesheads downfall, as they were caught quickly on the break by a young Sunderland side.

Right winger Cook raced down the right flank before cutting inside Callum Morris and sliding a right footed shot into the bottom left corner to open the scoring on 17 minutes.

Three minutes later and Sunderland doubled their lead with Healy finishing neatly with a right foot shot from outside the box making its way to the bottom right corner.

Gateshead were gifted an opportunity to get back into the game when Tainio tripped the lively Marwood in the box on 40 minutes.

Allan stepped up and scored from the spot, sending Fulop the wrong way as the striker fired into the bottom left corner.

Half time saw Gateshead bring on Brian Wake and David Dowson in place of Allan and Fisher as Bogie looked to change the approach up front.

However, the changes failed to stop Sunderland extending their lead when French forward Oumare Tounkara sealed the victory on 55 minutes.

The powerful forward was played through on goal by Healy and finished neatly past Mark Cook to seal the victory.

Brian Wake came closest to scoring for Gateshead in the second half,when the giant Scotsman’s volley was well saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Wilson.

Gateshead brought on second trial goalkeeper Jack Binks in the second half, whilst Paul Terry played 80 minutes and Morris again impressed playing the full 90 minutes.

Gateshead: Mark Cook (Jack Binks 70m), Craig Baxter, Ben Clark, Callum Morris, David Brown, Kris Gate (Andy Ferrell 55m), Phil Turnbull (Alex Francis 67m), Paul Terry (Steven Baptist 80m), James Marwood, Nathan Fisher (David Dowson 45), Jonny Allan (Brian Wake 45)