Sunderland 2-2 Accrington: Black Cats recover from two goals down to survive Stanley scare

Sunderland had to settle for yet another stalemate on Friday night but they had to work had to salvage a point against Accrington Stanley

The Black Cats recovered from two goals down in the second half but they could not find a winner at the Stadium of Light.  

Stanley took a surprise lead in the first half when Billy Kee scored from the spot after Jack Baldwin fouled Paul Smyth in the penalty area.

Accrington went 2-0 ahead but held on to secure a point against draw specialists Sunderland

Smyth then doubled the visitors’ lead straight after half time with a deft header but Sunderland hit back immediately.

Captain George Honeyman slid home on 55 minutes before Aiden McGeady leveled proceedings nine minutes later.

Sunderland pushed on for a winner and Luke O’Nien thought he’d won the game for the home side in the 90th minute but his headed strike was ruled out for offside. 

Billy Kee opened the scoring from the spot after Paul Smyth was fouled by Jack Baldwin

But Accrington held out to take home a priceless point – while for the Black Cats it meant more frustration as they recorded their 14th draw in League One this season.

That is the most number of draws of any side in England’s top four divisions and for goalscorer Aiden McGeady, dropping vital points is holding them back in the race for promotion.

‘To be honest Accrington were probably the better team, especially in the first half.

Sunderland manager Jack Ross has only overseen two defeats in League One 

Baldwin faced a tough evening thanks to the running of Stanley forward Paul Smyth (right)

‘We started quite well but when we go a goal down here it’s never easy, you see the fans get anxious and that probably translates onto the pitch a little bit.’  

‘We’re unbeaten her this season, we keep coming from goals behind and get a point but at the end of the day results like this aren’t going to get us to where we want to be. We know we can play a lot better.’ 

Accrington took the lead thanks to great work from on-loan Queens Park Rangers forward Paul Smyth. 

His movement caused the Black Cats defence problems all night and on 30 minutes he was fouled by Jack Baldwin inside the penalty area. 

Billy Kee fired home for a shock lead, which was doubled after the break when Smyth deservedly etched his name onto the scoresheet.

Sunderland manager Jack Ross was disappointed with how his side fell behind but was pleased by the response.

‘We started the game well, created opportunities and then had a period post the goal that we weren’t very good,’ said Ross.

‘We didn’t cope with the demands during that period and yet the reaction to going two behind was very, very good. 

‘Overall, we can’t say it’s good enough because we have demands to win games, particularly in this stadium. But in terms of character, I can’t fault these players.’ 

Accrington looked to be on course for a famous win but Sunderland hit back immediately.

George Honeyman slide home two minutes after Smyth’s strike after good work by Lynden Gooch, before Aiden McGeady completed the comeback with a composed finish from 12 yards.

The impressive Paul Smyth gave Stanley a shock 2-0 leader straight after the restart

But Sunderland hit back immediately through captain George Honeyman from close range

Ten minutes later the Stadium of Light erupted as Aiden McGeady fired home to equalise

Stanley move up to 15th in League One with their unexpected point, but manager John Coleman could not help but wonder about what might have been.

‘The lads are disappointed in there – it feels like a defeat,’ said Coleman.

‘That shows how far we’ve come when we’re coming to Sunderland and we’re disappointed to come away with a point, but I don’t know many teams who score two goals here and I think we were value for that.’