Sunderland FC v St.Johnstone FC

Wednesday 21st July
2.45PM
Sunderland FC v St.Johnstone FC
Report by Kim Middleton

It is St.Johnstone who have the majority of the possession in the early stages of this afternoon kick off in the pouring rain.

It promises to be a highly competitive match by the look of things early on. Both teams showing aggression and determination to win every ball.

St.Johnstone are awarded a free kick 5 minutes into the game with both Andrew Steeves and Gareth Rodger over the ball – Steeves takes it however it results in a Sunderland goal kick.

More pressure from the Saints as they are awarded another free kick – this time Scott Gray takes it forcing a save from Sunderland's stopper Joel Dixon.

The game is somewhat physical with yet another free kick awarded to St.Johnstone.

Some promising football from the Saints in the opening 10 minutes – the game a little stop-start due to fouls.

It doesn't look as if the referee will be able to keep his cards in hos pockets much longer as Sunderland's Nathan Lowe receives a warning.

Sunderland's Liam Agnew has impressed in the first quarter of an hour.

The first booking of the game arrives with St.Johnstone's Allistair Gilmour seeing yellow and a free kick awarded to Sunderland.

It is Sunderland who are now looking threataning with some impressive football coming from them.

A chance for Sunderland as a free kick eventually leads to Jonathan Burn heading over the bar.

On the 20 minute mark a shot from range goes over the bar for St.Johnstone – the game now very open with both teams threataning on the break.

Sunderland's George Honeyman shoots from long range and misses only marginally – keeping the Saints on their toes.

Soon after Honeyman comes close again from a similar distance – he is looking very sharp.

End to end with both teams searching for a goal to give them the lead at the break.

GOAL
Sunderland 0-1 St.Johnstone
On the half hour mark St.Johnstone are awarded a penalty after a foul prevents a goal scoring opportunity – Andrew Steeves steps up and scores with confidence to the right of Sunderland's Dixon. Very good penalty.

Sunderland however react very well to going behind and quickly search for an equaliser applying pressure with Liam Agnew going wide.

St.Johnstone break with pace but the ball is over-run – this promts the half time whistle.

HALF TIME
Sunderland 0-1 St.Johnstone

The second half begins and things are just as competitive as before.

GOAL
Sunderland 0-2 St.Johnstone
With barely any time to settle into the game St.Johnstone double their lead when Callum Donnelly finds the back of the net following a Scott Gray cross.

The scoreline is not an acurate reflection of Sunderland's performance however it shows the difference made by making the most of crucial opportunities.

GOAL
Sunderland 1-2 St.Johnstone
Sunderland remain determained to get back into it and their efforts pay off when they pull a goal back through Daniel Taggart following a good Kieran Martin ball into the box.

St.Johnson bring on Nathan Fishe – the game is now tense as Sunderland push for an equaliser and the Saints look to add to their tally to make their lead more comfortable.

Standing out for the Saints are David Breen and Scott Gray.

Even game still as competitive as it has been from the whistle.

Another Saints player in the book 20 minutes into the second half.

St.Johnstone make another change with Arron Kane coming on for his namesake Chris Kane.

Saints defend their lead as a determained Sunderland press.

Reece Noble forces a save following a very well taken free kick for Sunderland.

Saints sub Nathan Fishe sees yellow as both teams battle it out in a physical and competitive affair.

Sunderland force another save as they continue to press.

St.Johnstone defend well in the closing stages.

RED CARD
In the closing stages Sunderland are reduced to 10 men when Lewis Gibbons denies a goal-scoring opportunity from David Breen.

RED CARD
Not long after Gibbons dismisal – the teams are level in numbers again when Saints' Declan Hannaway sees red following a high footed challenge on Sunderlands Michael Gourley.

Despite the efforts of Sunderland, Saints see out their victory prompting loud celebrations.

FULL TIME: Sunderland 1-2 St.Johnstone


Man of the Match: David Breen.