Tony Mowbray has his say on pre-season wins as Sunderland make winning start

Sunderland beat South Shields 4-3 in the first of two games today, and then Gateshead 3-2 in the second.

In the game v South Shields, two goals form Jack Clarke and one each for Chris Rigg and Luis Hemir won the game, whilst Dan Neil, Niall Huggins, and Michael Spellman scores in the Gateshead win.

There was a lot of youngsters on the pitches today whilst Tony Mowbray also integrated his usual first-teamers.

And speaking after the game, the Black Cats boss had this to say:

"I don't put much stock in it to be honest... I've had pre-seasons where we haven't won a game and yet we've won the first three of the season when it's started and the other way round as well when we win every game pre-season and can't win a match when the season kicks off so.

"The best thing for me was to see some of the young kids integrate into the groups today. The two teams - we tried to split some of the more experienced players and we found a way to win the games."

Sunderland are making a huge effort to promote and recruit youth and that was evident today, with both sides fielding a mix of new signings, youth products, and more experienced first-team players.

And having that mix of youth and experience will be crucial for Sunderland next season as they go in search of another top six finish, with expectations higher after their heroics last time round.

Up next for the Black Cats is a trip to the US where they face San Antonio FC, New Mexico United, and North Carolina FC.

Then the club has two more pre-season friendlies v Mallorca and Hartlepool United before the season opener v Ipswich Town in August 56th.

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