Callum McManaman strikes as Sunderland foil Middlesbrough in six-goal thriller - 7M sport

Callum McManaman strikes as Sunderland foil Middlesbrough in six-goal thriller



Posted Sunday, February 25, 2018 by PA

Callum McManaman strikes as Sunderland foil Middlesbrough in six-goal thriller

A dramatic late equaliser from Callum McManaman denied Middlesbrough as Sunderland earned a 3-3 draw at the Stadium of Light.

Bottom club Sunderland had Jake Clarke-Salter sent off and Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore followed him down the tunnel before the half-time whistle had even been blown, which paved the way for goals galore after the break.

Sunderland had the lead courtesy of Joel Asoro’s 11th-minute opener and there was hope on Wearside that they could end a run of five games without a win.

But Middlesbrough hit back through Patrick Bamford and a penalty from Grant Leadbitter before Jonny Williams levelled things up again five minutes later.

Bamford scored his second goal with 22 minutes remaining to restore Middlesbrough’s advantage and 3-2 was how it stayed until deep into six minutes of stoppage time when McManaman struck, denying Boro a place in the top six for now.

Sunderland had looked promising before the first-half red cards gave the north-east derby occasion added spice.

Their positive start was rewarded with the opener. Adam Matthews’ long throw into the area saw Josh Maja’s back somehow flick the ball past George Friend and Ben Gibson. Asoro was able to get between Daniel Ayala and Ryan Shotton to finish.

Asoro and Maja’s teenage energy caused problems and they were only handed the chance together because of Ashley Fletcher’s unavailability against his parent club.

Sunderland looked in control but then Clarke-Salter’s reckless lunge in the 24th minute completely missed the ball and wiped out Traore and the red card was immediately shown.

Traore’s every touch was booed by Sunderland fans after that although he was only on the pitch for 13 more minutes because of his own rush of blood.

Moments after he wasted a fantastic chance from just inside the area by missing the target, he became involved in a tangle near the post that led to the Middlesbrough winger raising his forearm to Bryan Oviedo. Referee Tim Robinson issued his second red card after speaking with his assistant.

Traore may be charged by the Football Association too after he had to be held back from complaining to the fourth official as he left the field.

Middlesbrough had to find a way of getting Britt Assombalonga involved more after he was handed the chance to replace Rudy Gestede, who will miss the rest of the season with a fractured ankle.

The second half was even more frantic. Within eight minutes of the restart Middlesbrough had gone ahead.

Bamford’s brilliance pulled it level after 50 minutes when he turned in the area after controlling Friend’s knockdown. Leadbitter then put the visitors ahead from the spot after Assombalonga was brought down by goalkeeper Lee Camp.

Sunderland soon had it level again when Oviedo got to the line and his cut-back was side-footed inside the bottom corner by Williams.

They fell behind for a second time when Bamford, who had also wasted another chance, rounded Camp and then found the empty net moments after he was switched to the middle.

There were chances at both ends after that but it was McManaman’s back-post volley from Oviedo’s deep corner that earned a share of the spoils.

Tag:


Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.