James Norwood was on target for the second League One game running as Town and Sunderland drew 1-1 at a packed Portman Road. Norwood headed home Macauley Bonne’s cross in first-half injury time, Town having dominated before the break, but Nathan Broadhead levelled for the Black Cats five minutes after the restart with the Blues looking the more likely winners in the closing stages.

Wes Burns returned to the Town XI following his hamstring injury with new manager Kieran McKenna watching his new players from the stands.

Burns started at right wing-back as the Blues continued with interim manager John McGreal, in his fourth and final game in charge and his first at Portman Road, sticking with the 3-5-2 system utilised in the second half at Barrow on Wednesday with Matt Penney on the left, George Edmundson, Luke Woolfenden and Janoi Donacien the centre-halves and Christian Walton in goal.

In central midfield, skipper Sam Morsy was joined by Lee Evans with Sone Aluko ahead of them with Norwood and Macauley Bonne forming a front pairing.

Only Walton, Penney, Aluko and Norwood remained from the XI which started at Barrow on Wednesday.

Sunderland were unchanged from last week’s 2-1 home victory over Plymouth with midfielder Lynden Gooch OK having limped off with a groin problem against the Pilgrims.

Following the #PackOutPR campaign, Portman Road was packed with 29,005 watching, the highest attendance since the play-off semi-final against Norwich in 2014/15 when 29,166 saw the sides draw 1-1.

Ahead of kick-off fans waved large blue and white flags which had been left on every seat by the club, while pyrotechnics were set off as the players made their way on to the pitch with the stadium as lively as they’ve been for some while.

Prior to the start, the Town players took a knee to applause, while Sunderland remained standing as they have throughout the season.

The Blues started brightly with Norwood striking the game’s first shot in the sixth minute, but with his left-foot edge-of-the-area effort screwing away off the outside of his boot and out for a throw on the opposite side of the field.

Three minutes later, Burns and Norwood exchanged passes on the right of the box and the Welshman shot into the side-netting.

Town should have taken the lead in the 10th minute when Burns was sent away down the right by Norwood and crossed to Penney breaking into the area on the left but the former Sheffield Wednesday man hit the ball into the ground and over with the goal at his mercy.

The Blues continued the pressure, Burns beating his man before whipping over a cross towards his opposite wing-back Penney at the far post but a Sunderland defender nodded behind. From the corner, the ball looked to be headed wide by a Black Cat but a goal-kick was awarded.

In the 23rd minute Sunderland’s 11-goal top scorer Ross Stewart hit the visitors’ first effort of the afternoon but sent the ball well into the packed Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

But it was still mainly Town. Just before the half-hour, Aluko sent Bonne away on the left and the striker’s cross found Burns at the right of the box but the wing-back’s shot was blocked by Callum Doyle.

Moments later, Bonne claimed a penalty when he was manhandled by Tom Flanagan as Wearsiders’ keeper Thorben Hoffman grabbed a high ball played into the box. Referee Thomas Bramall and his linesman showed no interest with the Blues having a reasonable if not overwhelming case.

In the 36th minute Evans won a tackle with Leon Dajaku, which left the Sunderland man on the floor and his team-mates incensed with a short spell of pushing and shoving ensuing. Referee Bramall eventually briefly spoke to Evans, who looked to have done nothing wrong despite it having been a solid challenge, and then the two captains after awarding the visitors a free-kick.

Dajaku struggled to his feet and tried to walk off with help before sitting back down with the stretcher cart subsequently making its way onto the pitch and taking him down the tunnel. Denver Hume, who has been out with an ankle injury since October, took his place.

The lengthy stoppage led to a minor lull from Town and the visitors’ first sustained spell of possession with the Blues momentarily looking a little shaky.

But in the first of seven additional minutes, Town finally made their overall dominance tell when they went in front.

Bonne’s cross from the right deflected as it came into the box and Norwood rose to nod into the net off the underside of the bar, the striker’s second goal of the season, both in the last two matches.

There were no more chances before the Town players were given a big ovation by the near-capacity crowd as they left the field having fully deserved their lead after a dominant first-half display, as stark a contrast as there could be from the performance in the opening 45 minutes at Barrow on Wednesday.

New manager McKenna will have seen plenty to be positive about from his new players, who had been on top virtually from start to end with the Black Cats only showing anything in the short spell after Dajaku’s injury.

As in the game between the sides at the Stadium of Light, the Wearsiders had struggled to make any impact with Walton in the Town goal still to make a save.

However, it took the Black Cats only six minutes of the second half to get back on terms. The visitors passed their way through Town in the centre of the pitch before Dan Neil played in Nathan Broadhead and the on-loan Everton man beat Walton to his left before celebrating in front of the travelling Wearside fans.

Carl Winchester was booked for a foul on Evans and subsequently maintained a strong exchange of views with his manager Lee Johnson on the touchline before Sunderland threatened again.

Stewart was found on the right of the box but Walton was quickly off his line to block and the loose ball was cleared.

Town had looked distinctly shaky in the opening minutes of the half, but quickly began to restore their composure and return to the ascendency.

On 59 Aluko’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked, then within a minute Bonne nodded wide at the near post from Burns’s right-wing cross.

Flanagan was yellow-carded for time-wasting as Town looked to take a throw-in quickly, then Stewart joined him in the book for a cynical trip on Burns as the former Fleetwood man burst into the Black Cats’ half.

The Blues swapped Penney, who had looked a danger in the first half, for Kane Vincent-Young in the 63rd minute, while the visitors replaced Alex Pritchard with Elliot Embleton.

Winchester might have been fortunate not to see a second yellow card in the 67th minute for a foul on Vincent-Young on the Town left. Evans whipped the free-kick in under the bar and Hoffman uncomfortably bundled over.

A minute later, Burns became the first Blues player to get his name in the referee’s book for a foul on Hume as Sunderland counter-attacked following a Town corner. On 69, Town switched Norwood, who was applauded off by the home support after his first game at Portman Road since September, for Conor Chaplin.

On 72, with Town still on top but with Sunderland threatening on the break, Vincent-Young curled a shot wide from the left.

Three minutes later, Chaplin hit a volleyed effort on the turn which wasn’t strong enough to test Hoffman.

The momentum swung back towards Sunderland with the Black Cats winning a series of corners as the 80th minute approached.

But Town began to threaten again. On 84 Vincent-Young cut back from the left and Chaplin’s shot was blocked by Bailey Wright. In the aftermath, Burns hit an effort over.

Play quickly moved to the other end and Stewart momentarily looked to have got behind Woolfenden and in on goal. However, the striker left the ball behind and Edmundson was able to clear the danger. On 87, Sunderland replaced goalscorer Broadhead with Aiden O’Brien.

A minute later, Burns shot wide from 25 yards following a Town corner on the right with the Blues finishing the stronger.

As the game moved into its final scheduled minute, Morsy teed-up Aluko on the edge of the area from where the Nigerian international hit a shot which was deflected wide. In the wake of the resultant corner Aluko struck another effort, this time over.

In the final moments of four minutes of injury time, Burns crossed and Chaplin flicked to Hoffman from the near post.

The Blues were warmly applauded at the whistle having looked the more likely winners of the game and but for a slow start to the second period probably would have been.

Town had been very much on top in the first half and deserved their lead but they allowed Sunderland back in it at the start of the second and might even have found themselves behind before regaining their composure.

While Sunderland were better after the break, the Blues looked the more likely scorers of the game’s third goal.

No Portman Road win for interim boss McGreal and coaches Rene Gilmartin and Kieron Dyer in their fourth and final game in charge, and their first at Portman Road, but a more than creditable display ahead of the start of the Kieran McKenna era on Monday.

Town: Walton, Donacien, Edmundson, Woolfenden, Penney, Burns, Morsy (c), Evans, Aluko, Bonne, Norwood (Chaplin 69). Unused: Hladky, Burgess, Vincent-Young, Carroll, Fraser, Pigott.

Sunderland: Hoffman, Flanagan, Doyle, Dajaku (Hume 41), Broadhead, Gooch, Stewart, Winchester, Pritchard (Embleton 63), Neil, Wright (c). Unused: Patterson, Alves, Embleton, O'Brien, Younger, Kimpioka. Referee: Thomas Bramall (Sheffield). Att: 29,005 (Sunderland: 2,023).

Photo: Matchday Images

TimmyH added 18:37 - Dec 18 By the way we played 4 at the back 1st half (from where I was sitting clearly) but seemed to switch to 3-5-2 2nd half to counteract Sunderland? which looked defensively fragile.
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Lukeybluey added 18:38 - Dec 18 We were a lot more aggressive first half, Morsy and Evans putting in some crunching tackles. Norwood and Bonne were a handful together I thought, Bonne needs a goal for sure. Thank god Wes Burns is back, I think he's integral to the team...he just constantly runs at people such a threat! Got knackered towards the end of the 2nd half understandably. Overall decent performance, and the atmosphere was awesome, need 29k in there more often!

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Pettabelieveit added 18:39 - Dec 18 That effort and intensity today is the minimum expected, improve on the quality and we'll be a half decent side.
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AndoverFist added 18:40 - Dec 18 Apparently Town have failed to win any of their last 22 games (now 23) in front of more than 21000 spectators - drawing 8 & losing 14 (now drawn 9 & lost 14). Maybe this pack out Portman Road is not such a good idea !
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Gforce added 18:42 - Dec 18 Thought the atmosphere today was fantastic, all the waving blue and white flags throughout the stadium, at the start was an awesome sight,hopefully it's something we can replicate many more times in the future. Much better performance today,Aluko motm,Burns,Edmunds and Donacian also solid throughout. Definitely something to build on for the new guy and hopefully a couple of additions in January and who knows.

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Marinersnose added 18:42 - Dec 18 Well that was entertaining. Where has that fight been this season ? Application first half especially was excellent. Two central defenders look fantastic together both composed on the ball and commanding in the air.Bonne and Norwood was excellent up top and were a constant threat. Penny was poor and for me is not at the level of Clements. He lacks strength and tenacity and missed an absolute sitter. Burns and Donacien look excellent on the right side and were also a constant threat going forward. Our midfield pair still don't work with Evans at fault for the equaliser. He made some decent challenges first half but he was slow in possession and gave the ball away too often. Walton was always in command and was quick off his line on several occasions.Finally for me Aluko was our best player. He was strong on the ball and effective running with the ball. He rarely missed a pass and was winning most 50/50 balls. This was a pleasing performance but we need this energy for the entire game. Special mention for KVY who was excellent when introduced and setup a perfect goal scoring opportunity for Chaplin who took too many touches and squandered the opportunity. This was an easy one touch finish.

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ImAbeliever added 18:46 - Dec 18 Better with Burns. Thought Woolfenden looked more assured, as indeed he needed to. Love Aluko, so skilful. We looked stronger and determined than we have for weeks. I waved my flag too 👏
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Billysherlockblue added 18:49 - Dec 18 Just posting again that our midfield too slow. Evans especially. Evans could make a center half? But is too slow for midfield in both the tackle and passing forward. Just my thoughts. But well done all today
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jas0999 added 18:57 - Dec 18 Great first half, mediocre after the break. Another game we should have won, but didn't. That said a vast improvement on the Barrow performance. Atmosphere great. We need to start winning games though, but overall much better.
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johnwarksshorts added 19:03 - Dec 18 A big shout out to all the fantastic supporters & the 2000 Sunderland supporters says alot about both clubs 👏 👍 🙌
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TimmyH added 19:07 - Dec 18 @marinersnose - problem was the ball from KVY was just slightly behind Chaplin but a better quality player would have hit that first time (as you pointed out) whilst twisting with the shot. Still struggle to make real goal scoring opportunities and it's all feels a bit 'huff and puff'.
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runningout added 19:07 - Dec 18 Still a lot to do and our lot lost their work ethic ages ago. If they get their professional heads back on, we can finish season decently and avoid relegation
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Help added 19:38 - Dec 18 Firstly many thanks to John McGreal for your interim management of my club. I am sorry you did not get a win, but thankful that the players finally got their heads in the right place especially first half. Actually seeing the players try and put in a shift. Dropped in the second half but will take a draw in view of previous and recent performances. To the players a joy to watch first half. Just needed more of the same in the second. Goodness have we missed Wes Burns. Sone aluko skills with those feet. A bit of bite from James Norwood up front. Back 5 need to talk more so as not to have so many dangerous situations. Middle midfield lost it in second half. Evans stray passes crept in again second half. Let's hope we build on that performance.

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algarvefan added 19:45 - Dec 18 Paul Cook hit the nail on the head in his final interview,' It's an indication as to where we are as a team at the moment' and that's not changed. We are wildly inconsistent and today was one of our better performances. Who knows what the next game will bring? There is much work still to be done and we need now to see a steady improvement under the new manager, maybe with a few additions during the transfer window. It was nice to see guts and a fight today, especially in the first half. Burns, Morsey and Aluko put in good shifts. For me, for yet another solid performance Donacien was the MOM and has been one of our best players all season. I'm excited to see what our new manager can do, but we are still where we are with much work to do!!

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BcarefulwhatUWish4 added 20:01 - Dec 18 Season has disappeared for us but a much better performance which was important after what happened against Charlton and Barrow. Rebuilding for next season starts now. Interesting transfer windows ahead (Jan and the Summer). Hopefully players will be more with it next season.
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Cakeman added 20:42 - Dec 18 Pleasing performance with plenty of desire, bite and effort. Much more like it. I thought Aluko was superb, he really is a good player. Burns too did very well and lasted well considering his recent lack of match action. Will be interesting to see if there will be some changes in the January transfer window. Probably not many but we need a couple of fresh faces to at least try to get up the table.

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Letchworth_Blue added 20:48 - Dec 18 Burns and Aluko were superb. Penney, Wolfy and Nors were good and a nice cameo from Chaplin at the end. However we need a finisher to capitalise on our dominance. Without it we are toothless.
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Linkboy13 added 21:03 - Dec 18 Although dissapointed not to win cannot criticise the performance. So lm not going to start slagging off this player and that player. I thought the timing of John Mcgreals substitutions was also good something you couldn't say about Paul Cook who was tactically not the best. The fans were excellent although flagging towards the end ha ha.
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RobsonWark added 21:20 - Dec 18 Great to see the stadium packed with 29,000 people and fantastic atmosphere in the ground. I thought we were excellent in the first half. It was good to see the players pressing Sunderland and not giving them a chance to play. We played some good football and should have been at least 3-0 up at half-time. Second half was edged by Sunderland and they looked more dangerous when going forward than we did. Walton had a good game, Edmundson looked very composed on the ball, Aluko showed great skill at times and Burns got me off my seat on several occasions - MOM today for me. Only weak link in the team at the moment is Penney. He can't defend, he can't tackle, he can't head the ball and his crosses into the box are very poor.

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stormypetrel added 21:22 - Dec 18 Best home game in terms of fight quality and determination,..Aluko my MOm a crafty slick player…wonderful to see Wes back…instant difference…and Norwood…love it!!!…the fight niggliness and outright nuisance!!!…it epitomised the team first half!…loved that he hugged Dyer…there's a story there that tells so much as to what has gone on over the last eight weeks…great atmosphere well done ITFC..,final point…you players need to care, because Portman Road loves that …today was a good day

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itfcasual added 21:56 - Dec 18 Pretty sure it was 3-5-2, because McGreal said it was and that's what it looked like! But a good flexible setup that allowed Penney or Burns to drop to the back line as a 4th defender, when required. Actually Donacien had the licence to push forward too quite often, leaving Edmundson and Woolfendon as the centre back pairing holding fort in front of Walton. When it was working, and it was working very well in the first half, we overran midfield and Sunderland were hardly in the game. Couldn't quite work out the tactical change that SAFC made at half time, and neither could Town because our threat was nullified for most of the 2nd half, but they did counter our midfield advantage effectively. Town did well with a different formation today and SAFC changed their system at half time to match .... which really makes you wonder what planet Cook was on if he thought that he could play every game with 4-2-3-1 regardless of how the opposition set up..... Pleased for the players that they could finish with their heads held high after a good performance in front of a full house today. Would've been even better if we'd won though!

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runaround added 23:24 - Dec 18 I thought it was a decent performance and an entertaining match. So much better than some of the recent performances and 3-5-2 seems to fit the players we have available Looking forward to McKenna taking charge and starting to make his mark
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Bert added 23:48 - Dec 18 Sorry “Help”, marked you down by mistake.
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shakytown added 01:29 - Dec 19 We really need some pace in midfield and a real goalscorer. Still not sure about us defensively but it was slightly better. hopefully the new boss can get some much needed pace into the squad as we are really quite pedestrian and a midfield general who can play box to box would be a real bonus.
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tractorollson added 01:31 - Dec 19 Say wha you like about Norwood but hes our only real striker. Bonne is ok but hes not the answer, i think we need to keep him and let him lead the line
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