Hartlepool United 1-0 Sunderland

Hartlepool United have shocked Sunderland by beating them 1-0 in their pre-season match at Victoria Park this evening.

The League One side made the perfect start when Steve Howard snuck past Titus Bramble before firing the ball past Simon Mignolet to give his side the lead.

Howard almost doubled his tally soon after as Evan Horwood found him, but this time his shot trickled narrowly wide.

David Meyler had the first chance for the visitors when Frazier Campbell fired a low ball into the box, but the Irish midfielder hit it straight at goalkeeper Scott Flinders.

Sunderland increased their pressure in the second half, with Connor Wickham and Campbell going close before Meyler squandered another chance for the Black Cats.

Kieran Richardson then fired a shot just wide before Wickham and Craig Garner were also denied as Sunderland continued to probe for an equaliser.

Campbell again came close, but his stooping header was tipped over by Flinders as Hartlepool saw out a big pre-season victory.