Consett v Sunderland, 20 August 2008 (pic Andy Rankin)

A crowd of over 300, including Sunderland manager Roy Keane, were entertained by this friendly match. Sunderland sent a strong squad to Belle Vue, with the likes of internationals Dwight Yorke, Graham Kavanagh and Russell Anderson in the starting line-up. For their part Consett made one change to the side that beat Pontefract in the previous game, with John Ewart replacing Jonjo Dickman.

The Steelmen held their own in an even opening period with both sides creating chances. After four minutes The Black Cats went close when Luscombe’s header was held by Paul Gilmore following a cross by Kay.

Dowson spurned a chance for the visitors when he cut inside a defender but dragged his shot wide. With 24 minutes on the clock Consett almost took the lead when Steven Brown’s cross from the left was touched goalwards by Mattie Moffat but keeper Colgan pulled off a fine one handed save.

Just before the half hour Luscombe played in Dowson but he shot past the post with only Gilmore to beat. At the other end, John Ewart’s cross was headed on by Steve Johnson and then headed goalwards by Moffat but Colgan gathered comfortably.

Five minutes before the interval Yorke played the ball into Cook but he was denied by Gilmore who saved with his leg. But on the stroke of half time the Black Cats took the lead when Kavanagh’s cross from the right was headed in at the far post by Dowson.

Full Time: Consett 0-1 Sunderland

For the second period Consett introduced Foli Shekoni to the fray who had played for Sunderland at Consett last season. Being currently without a club he was having a trial for The Steelmen.

But two goals in the first five minutes of the second half put Sunderland in total control. After 49 minutes a ball in from the left wasn’t cleared and Cook was on hand to score from close range.

Then a minute later Dowson ran onto a throughball and hit a low shot that beat Gilmore’s despairing dive. Consett had a great chance to pull one back after 56 minutes when Gary Ormston’s effort came back off the post but Shekoni headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

The visitors added a fourth goal after 65 minutes when the influential Kavanagh’s cross was met by a glancing header by Cook giving Gilmore no chance. Four minutes later Moffat got sight of goal for the home side but he shot wide under pressure.

Both sides made several substitutions and game became disjointed. But Consett got reward for their endeavours in the 82nd minute when Shekoni converted from the penalty spot after Anderson had been adjudged to have pulled down Adam Emson.

But Sunderland had the last word when they added a fifth with five minutes to go, Kavanagh’s right wing corner being powerfully headed home by Madden.

Full Time: Consett 1-5 Sunderland

ANDREW PEARSON