Sunderland’s 2-2 draw against Gateshead on Saturday afternoon served as a curious glimpse into the club’s depth and hierarchy, as many fringe and forgotten first-team players were given a rare opportunity to prove their worth. However, in the sweltering summer heat and on the uneven turf of a non-league ground, few managed to make a convincing case for their continued inclusion in the plans of new head coach Regis Le Bris.
The conditions were far from ideal. With temperatures soaring and players returning from lengthy layoffs — none of them had played competitively since that euphoric Wembley win on May 24 — sharpness and cohesion were lacking. Compounding matters, the squad was a makeshift blend of U21 regulars, a few U18s, new scholars, and a scattering of senior players who had been sidelined from first-team contention. Most of the club’s core players were set to feature in a second friendly later that day in South Shields, leaving U21s coach Graeme Murty to manage the youthful, patchwork lineup at Hebburn Sports Ground.
The match was a mixed bag. Some youngsters seized their moment, such as Charlie Dinsdale, who offered flashes of promise on the wing, and Jack Whittaker, who impressed with his tidy midfield play after recently signing his first professional contract. Trey Ogunsuyi, meanwhile, kept up his knack for finding the net. Yet, for the more established names — players who were once part of Sunderland’s senior setup — the afternoon was far less productive.
Nazariy Rusyn, back from a disappointing loan in Croatia, showed his trademark speed but lacked composure and decision-making in possession. Ian Poveda, despite his hard-running and eye-catching appearance, failed to convert his lively play into real impact. Blondy Nna Noukeu, between the sticks, looked visibly agitated after conceding Gateshead’s second goal — though the view from the press box made it hard to assess the goalkeeping at fault with certainty.
The second half brought more of the same from other senior figures. Jay Matete was unusually error-prone in midfield, repeatedly giving the ball away. Abdoullah Ba started with intent but quickly drifted out of the game. Luis Hemir, looking physically sharper than before, fluffed two key chances — the second of which flew worryingly close to a nearby house rather than the back of the net. There were few signs that his loan spell in Italy had improved the rough edges of his game.
Only Joe Anderson, arguably no longer considered a full first-team option, managed to stand out among the senior group. His performance was composed and assertive, capped by a superb long-range goal that drew tongue-in-cheek comparisons to legendary defender Franco Baresi. Yet even his place in the first-team setup is under question.
Following Sunderland’s later 4-0 win over South Shields, Le Bris was direct when asked about the players who featured against Gateshead. Without hesitation, he confirmed that the likes of Rusyn, Poveda, Matete, Ba, Hemir, and Anderson were expected to move on this summer. He explained that the squad split was intentional — those still needing regular football were sent to Hebburn, while his core players remained under closer scrutiny.
Given the underwhelming performances seen on Saturday, Le Bris’ stance seems entirely justified. The match served as a quiet but telling indictment of Sunderland’s fringe players — many of whom may now find themselves on borrowed time at the Stadium of Light.
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