Sunderland’s forgotten men defeat Doncaster 4-1 infront of potential buyers…
A Sunderland second string convincingly defeated a Doncaster XI last night as a hastily arranged friendly took place at the Stadium of Light for the main benefit of watching scouts, as Roy Keane looks to ship out several of his unused squad players on loan.
Kevin Richardson’s side, including several first team hopefuls, ran out 4-1 winners with two goals from Kevin Smith and one from Andy Welsh and Tommy Miller respectively. Former fans’ favourite Sean Thornton featured for Doncaster.
But it was Tobias Hysen who shone in his first half performance upfront, having a hand in three of the goals as he pressed a case for a starting place against Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Despite Doncaster taking an early the lead through Craig Nelthorpe on 10 minutes, Sunderland were level only 3 minutes later when Hysen’s run and cross found Tommy Miller – one player sure to be heading for the exit door – who finished well past Donnie ‘keeper Ben Smith.
Sunderland were soon in the lead when Kevin Smith scored the first of his brace after more good work from Hysen on 18 minutes, and the Swede finished the half with a clever dummy that allowed Andy Welsh to finish to make it 3-1 at half time. Certain to be involved in some way on Saturday, Hysen was removed at half time and replaced by Arnau Riera, playing for the first time since his red card at Bury.
Smith grabbed his second of the match, and enhanced his own first team chances, on 68 minutes with a smartly taken volley.
Of those that played last night it is expected that at least half are on Keane’s ‘exit list’, including Delap, Nosworthy, Collins, Miller, Welsh and maybe even Smith. Clive Clarke played 60 minutes after returning from injury while he was replaced by new French winger William Mocquet, players who aren’t expected to be leaving the club.
Sunderland: Ward; Delap, Nosworthy, D Collins, Clarke (Mocquet 62); Lawrence, Leadbitter (Richardson 45), T Miller (Dennehy 62), Welsh; Smith, Hysen (Arnau 45).
