Lads Robbed by Late Stoke Show

Sunderland let in two late goals at the Britannia Stadium as they let a 2-1 lead slip through their fingers to lose 3-2.

Sunderland started so well and led after just two minutes. Some good build up play ended with an air shot from Asamoah Gyan in the box and a great run from Kieran Richardson in to the box was rewarded as he rifled in a shot past Begovic for 1-0.

The Wearsiders continued to dominate in the first half hour but Stoke began to play to their strengths and caused Sunderland no end of problems with long balls, set pieces and Rory Delaps throw ins in to the box. One of these fell to John Carew, and with Gordon being fouled and suspicions of offside Stoke levelled.

Sunderland came out on fire after the break and Asamoah Gyan magnificently outmuscled Robert Huth, turned him and slotted home for a 2-1 lead.

As the half wore on Stoke once again threatened and once again a ball in to the box struck Carew's arm and hit an offside Huth before bouncing in. 2-2.

Sunderland had to resort to counter attacking football as Stoke pressed and almost inevitibly in the 3rd minute of injury time, another ball in was defended poorly and Huth volleyed in to win it for Stoke.

A bitterly disappointing result which will really stick in the throat for Sunderland's fans as it came against a host of former players.

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