Tommy Craig’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat in front of a crowd of almost 1000 in the Wear-Tyne Derby.
Michael Bridges gave the Mackems the lead after 32 minutes when he converted a spot-kick having been fouled by Jamie McClen.
Sean Thornton doubled the Black Cats’ lead before half-time. With United momentarily reduced to ten men whilst Kris Gate received treatment,
Jamie McClen made some effort to atone for his foul that led to Sunderland’s opener when he equalised after 52 minutes. The forgotten man of St.James Park finished via a deflection after Carl Finnigan had reacted quickest to a ‘play on’ call by the referee even though the linesman had flagged for a foul by the United forward.
The game petered out without any real goalmouth incident.