A strong Sunderland second string lost 3-2 away at rivals Newcastle last night in a closely fought contest?
Christian Bassila, Tommy Miller and Anthony Le Tallec all started for Sunderland as they looked to build on their 2-0 defeat of Bolton last week.
And they got off to a dream start at Kingston Park as Tommy Miller shot past Steve Harper after only 3 minutes. However, Newcastle hit back with 2 goals in 3 minutes from Carl Finnegan 10 minutes before half time.
Daryl Smylie extended Newcastle?s lead just before the hour mark with a long range effort, though Anthony Le Tallec ensured a nervy final 10 minutes for the home side when finishing from close range to reduced the deficit on 79 minutes.
However, Sunderland?s chances of grabbing a draw were effectively ended when Christian Bassila was sent off in the final minute following his second bookable offence.
Sunderland:J. Murphy, Taylor, N. Collins, Christensen, D. Smith (Allan 72), Graham (Hartley 54), Bassila, Miller, Dennehy (K. Smith 69), Le Tallec, Murphy. Subs not used: Carson, Martin.
