Sunderland clawed back a two-goal deficit to beat Gateshead and make it two pre-season wins out of two within a matter of hours. The Black Cats had already recovered to win 4-3 after conceding first at South Shields, and at the International Stadium they got off to a worse start with Heed scoring two quickfire goals midway through the first half.
Connor Pani's deflected shot gave the hosts the lead, before Adam Campbell added the second a couple of minutes later. But Dan Neil pulled a goal back before half-time, and Niall Huggins equalised soon after the hour.
Substitute Michael Spellman then scored what turned out to be the winner ten minutes from the end. Summer signing from Birmingham City Jobe Bellingham started, giving Sunderland fans their first chance to see the 17-year-old midfielder.
