It was honours even between Sunderland and Spennymoor Town at the Brewery Field as it finished 2-2 in both sides first pre season friendlies.

Lee Johnson played two different elevens in both halves with the Black Cats sporting a more senior look for the first half while the youngsters got a run out in the second 45.

The game was open right from the start and Sunderland had the lions share of the chances with Ross Stewart looking very bright with some runs through the Spennymoor defence.

He had the ball in the back of the net after Elliot Embleton’s curling pass over the defence found the big Scottish striker. He tucked away the chance but the linesman’s flag was raised.

The game was marred by a serious looking injury when Moors midfielder Adriano Moke collided with Embleton in a challenge. Moke was stretched off but fortunately after the game, he appeared to be walking gingerly which suggests it’s not a serious as first though.

The Black Cats made the breakthrough when Stewart’s cross was fumbled by the trailist goalkeeper. Aidan O’Brien was on hand to gobble up the chance and finish from close range.

Sunderland made their switches at half time and their lack of experience told.

Three minutes from the restart, a free kick from the right-hand side from Steven Thompson was met by the head of Joe Tait who thundered home from six yards out.

Minutes later, Moors flipped the game on it’s head after Thompson’s corner was met by Glen Taylor. His header was initially kept off the line but Jason Kennedy was on hand to prod home from close range to make it 2-1.

1,012 Spennymoor fans were in attendance for a game for the first time in over a year and they were delighted to see a couple of goals at the Brewery Field.

Spenny turned the screw and could have scored more but Taylor couldn’t quite convert a volley home as it flew over the bar.

Sunderland struggled to get into the game but a flash of brilliance brought them level in a moment Ellis Taylor won’t forget in a hurry.

After neat build up play down the right-hand side, Taylor received the pass at the byline, took the ball out of his fight and rifled high into the net. The keeper had no chance of keeping that out.

From one Taylor to another as Glen could have sealed the win for Spenny. He broke through the heart of the Black Cats defence but just couldn’t quite make the chance count drilling the ball wide of the left-hand post.

The game finished square and all in all, it was a good contest between the two sides who are both gearing up for their League One and National League North campaigns respectively.