Sunderland’s Irishmen settle for a draw only
Peter Reid needs to buy players, he knows that and so too do the 46+ thousand fans at the Stadium of Light. There has not been any major improvement since season 01-02’, except maybe for the introduction of Phil Babb , and the regular use of Thomas Butler during their pre-season 02-03’.
In this pre-season game which most bookies would have favoured Peter Reid's men to come out on top, Sunderland could only manage a 1-1 draw with Belgian side “Royal Antwerp” at the Bosuil Stadium. In a game which saw “five” Irish-men take part, all seemed to be fit and well. Kevin Kilbane came on just before the half hour mark, and played in a striker roll relieving Kevin Philips. Thomas Butler did not start, however he did play the second 45. Niall Quinn took part too for just 20 minutes, fitting nicely into his player-coach roll. Phil Babb played the first 45, and Jason McAteer fit as ever played the first 45, came off at half time, and then Peter Reid put him back on again with 20 minutes remaning on the clock. Final Score 1-1
Team Sunderland v Antwerp
Sunderland: Sorensen, Haas (Williams 46), Thome (Craddock 46), Babb (Bjorklund 46), Gray (McCartney 46), McAteer (Bellion 46), Reyna ( McAteer 70), McCann (Thirlwell 46), Arca ( Butler 46), Phillips ( Kilbane 29 [Proctor 80]), Kyle (Quinn 70).
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