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By Will Jago, at Estádio Municipal de Albufeira |
Final Score: Albion 1 Sunderland 1
Albion gave their most impressive pre-season display in Portugal against Premiership opposition, and leave the field at the Estádio de Albufeira to a standing ovation. Glenn Murray's first-half penalty is cancelled out by a late Frazier Campbell goal, but Albion can be proud of their performance in a match in which they proved the better side on the night.
87: GOAL! From their first clear-cut chance of the evening, Frazier Campbell scooped home Jordan Henderson's left-wing free kick to level the scores.
80: Another good run from Glenn Murray nearly creates a chance for Ashley Barnes, but Trevor Carson is quickly out to deny the former Plymouth striker.
75: A rare Sunderland attempt on goal from Frazier Campbell sails harmlessly wide. Eliott Bennett is replaced by former Chelsea and St Johnstone winger Filipe Morais.
69: Radostin Kishishev is replaced by Gary Dicker. The Bulgarian international's impressive performance means he leaves the pitch to a standing ovation from the Albion fans.
65: George McCartney is taken off on a stretcher after a firm-but-fair clash with Inigo Calderon.
49: Murray creates a good opening for himself, chasing down and robbing Matthew Kilgallon, he cut in from the left but his one-on-one attempt was brilliantly saved by Trevor Carson.
45: Half-time - Glenn Murray's penalty deservedly puts Albion ahead after they enjoyed the better of possession, and created the better chances against Premiership opposition.
42: GOAL! Glenn Murray makes no mistake as he drills the ball straight down the middle.
42: PENALTY! Bolo Zenden deemed to have handled a cross by Marcos Painter in the area.
38: Another glorious chance for Glenn Murray from another Elliott Bennett delivery. An out-swinging free-kick by the winger beat the defence and landed at Murray's feet, but the Albion striker shaved the post with his side-footed volley.
33: Glenn Murray comes close to opening the scoring again. Elliott Bennett and Inigo Calderon link up well down the right and square the ball to Murray on the edge of the 18-yard box - who spots Trevor Carson off his line but dinks the ball narrowly over the bar.
28: A good atmosphere building up with a strong following for both teams, at the stadium which was used as a training camp for the Dutch during Euro 2004.
22: Marcos Painter playing in front of his former manager Steve Bruce, who was in charge of Birmingham City during part of the defenders time with The Blues.
12: Controversy as Glenn Murray's header is ruled out from the resulting corner.
11: An audacious attempt by Radostin Kishishev leads to the first save of the game by Sunderland's Trevor Carson as the Bulgarian's drive was tipped over the bar.
10: Fourth corner of the game already for the Albion who are on-top early on, playing some neat passing football.
08: Another Albion set-piece delivered by Elliott Bennett and Gordon Greer leaps highest, but his header goes narrowly wide.
05: Albion enjoying some early possession, leading to a free-kick wide right. Elliott Bennett found Inigo Calderon who was pushed to the ground, but had the good penalty shout turned down.
Kick-Off: Gus Poyet starts with the team he believes to be his strongest XI against Sunderland tonight, including seven summer-signings. Sunderland also start with a strong XI including former England internationals Kieran Richardson and Darren Bent.
Teams
Albion: (4-4-2) Poke; Calderon (El-Abd 88), Elphick, Greer, Painter; Bennett (Morais 75), Navarro, Kishishev (Dicker 69), Sparrow (Battipiedi 83); Murray, Barnes (Baz 83). Subs not used: Walker (GK), Jamie Smith, Hall, Cook, Hart, Holroyd.
Sunderland: (4-4-2) Carson; Bardsley, Colback, Ferdinand, McCartney (Malbranque 65); Zenden (Henderson 57), Kilgallon, Waghorn (Liddle 75), Richardson; Jones (Campbell 57), Bent. Subs not used: Mignolet (GK).
