Sunderland continued their preparations ahead of a third League One campaign with a over League Two opposition Carlisle United.
Phil Parkinson's side came into the second of three friendlies in the space of a week off the back of a 3-1 win against National League North side Gateshead on Saturday. While Carlisle had upset Sunderland's League one rivals Wigan Athletic 2-1 last time out and were unbeaten in preseason.
The game was to be the first at Sunderland's Stadium of Light for five months and a warm up to the sides Football League Trophy clash in October.
Phil Parkinson handed starts to players who had come on and changed the game on Saturday, with goal scorers, midfielder Josh Scowen and Northern Irish forward Will Grigg both starting.
There was also a start for wing back Jack Diamond, who impressed with his directness against the heed and will be looking to break into the first team on a consistent basis after a successful loan spell at Sunderland's next opponents Harrogate Town. There was also a debut in goal for new signing Remi Mathews, while defender Morgan Feeney was also handed a first start after his free transfer from Everton. Trialist Arbenit Xhemajli who impressed as a substitute against Gateshead was absent from the squad.
Story of The Match
It was a low-key first half of few chances with the Black Cats having the biggest chance in the seventh minute. Jack Diamond, who was a bright spark at LWB, put in a great cross but opposite wingback Conor McLaughlin was unable to direct his diving header into the net, with Carlisle goalkeeper Paul Farman making an excellent save at close range.
The only other chance of note in a scrappy 45 minutes was in the 38th minute but Scowen was only able to fire wide from 25 yards.
Thankfully the second half improved and it only took seven minutes for the first goal of the match. Carlisle forward Lewis Alessandra with a speculative shot from the edge of the box which was straight at debutant Remi Mathews in the Sunderland goal but the former Bolton stopper managed to allow the shot to squirm into the net.
The wet conditions may have had a factor and it did bounce awkwardly in front of him but it's a routine save he would have expected to make.
The goal seemed to shock Sunderland into life with the Wearsiders picking up the pace, Diamond again getting to the byline and whipping a good cross in but forward Aiden O'Brien, making his first start since arriving on a free from Millwall was unable to connect.
The Cumbrians looked confident going forward and pushed for a second, foward Gavin Reilly firing low but Mathews was able to put it out for a corner which came to nothing.
Unhappy with what he had seen from his side Phil Parkinson made 10 changes on the hour mark with only defender Tom Flannagan remaining on the pitch.
It paid off instantly with former Carlisle striker Charlie Wyke scoring with his first touch, converting left back Denver Hume's low cross after a good save from Farman in the 63rd minute.
Sunderland's tails were up and they looked a different team, carving Carlisle open with ease. Youngster Dan Neil blazed over from close range in the 68th minute after a great cross from winger Chris Maguire.
Maguire, who looked a class above everyone else on the pitch, helped himself to a goal a minute later, converting from close range after a good run from midfielder Luke O'Nein who's cut back made it impossible for the twice capped Scot to miss.
It was one way traffic and only one team was getting the next goal. It came after 81 minutes, Neil's close range volley cannoning off the post, and falling to Wyke who faked past the covering defender and slotted beyond Farman to double his tally and finish the scoring.
Takeaways
What will impress Parkinson was the fightback from his team, they went down to a poor goal but were able to show fight and turn the game on it's head.
First half performance will be of concern. Players looked off the pace but is to be expected given the long break.
Mathews mistake will worry Parkinson, but was more down to conditions than anything else.
Wyke's goals should give him some much needed confidence going into the season, when he will be expected to spearhead their promotion charge.
Youngsters Dan Neil and Jack Diamond's performances will also have pleased Parkinson
Both have played a key role in pre-season and both will be pushing for starts in the future.
It’s Harrogate Town on Saturday for Sunderland who will be hoping to keep up the momentum ahead of a big season.
Stand-out Players
Jack Diamond: He was energetic on the left flank in the first half. Delivery was good should have had an assist for McLaughlin.
Dan Neil: More minutes under his belt, should have scored from close range on two occasions but overall play was good.
Charlie Wyke: Two well taken goals, overall hold up play was good. Vast improvement on Saturday's showing.
Chris Maguire: Was unplayable at times, ran the game after coming on just after the hour mark. Took his goal well and should have had an assist.
