Seongnam 1-0 Sunderland

SUNDERLAND WERE beaten in Suwon in their first-pre season friendly, going down 1-0 to K-League outfit Seongnam in the Peace Cup.


A goal from close-range from Brazilian Everton Santos did for the Wearsider’s who best chance came when midfielder Craig Gardner hit the bar.


Naming a strong line-up, Martin O’Neill opted to leave his only summer signing, Carlos Cuellar, on the bench until the 60th minute when he replace Titus Bramble at centre-back.


David Vaughan was left amongst the unused substitutes after picking up an injury in training.


Sunderland will now face the losers of the FC Groningen v Hamburg game, due to be played in the Suwon Stadium tomorrow evening.


Speaking afterwords to safc.com, O’Neill was keen to take the positives from defeat:


‘It was very much a good workout. The opposition were fitter, faster and fresher but there were some decent things in the game alongside some disapponting ones.’


The boss continued:


‘We had some good spells and hit the woodwork three times. Maybe when I analyse it tomorrow I will take the lack of fitness into consideration.


‘Sometimes during the course of games there are disappointments. We gave the ball away very cheaply when we had it and when there was no need to give it away.’


Also speaking to safc.com, was new-boy Cuellar:


‘I feel good about my first game with Sunderland. I am so happy but the main thing is to get my fitness levels high.


‘The heat was tough to play in but that is no excuse. It actually helps you feel stronger in the future and improves your fitness and competitiveness.


Sunderland: Mignolet; Brown (Adams 72), Bramble (Cuellar 60), Turner, Richardson; (Deacon 72) Campbell (Noble 80), Cattermole (c), Meyler, Gardner, Colback; Wickham.


Subs not used: Wilson (GK), Pickford (GK); Egan, Laing, Knott, Vaughan, Reed & Lynch.