Lynden Gooch leaves it late to fire Sunderland to opening-day win over Charlton

Posted Saturday, August 04, 2018 by PA

Lynden Gooch delivered a clinical, late blow to ensure Jack Ross’ reign as Sunderland manager got off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Charlton at the Stadium of Light.

In front of a crowd of more than 30,000 on Wearside for the Black Cats’ opening Sky Bet League One fixture, American midfielder Gooch powered in a bullet header in stoppage time to cap a fine comeback.

The stage had been set when Josh Maja, 19, has been allowed to control and turn with 25 minutes left to cancel out the Addicks’ early opener from just inside the box.

Charlton, fielding just three men who started the play-off semi-final second leg against Shrewsbury in May, had taken the lead in the 10th minute when former Sunderland target Lyle Taylor converted a penalty.

Taylor, who had turned down Sunderland to move to Charlton from AFC Wimbledon, had been given the chance from the spot after Chris Maguire had tripped Karlan Grant in the area.

Sunderland struggled to create chances and test the keeper but then Maja was able to get things rolling after making the most of Adam Matthews’ pass.

Ross, who has made 11 new signings and fielded six of them during the game, then saw his side win it when Gooch did the rest from Bryan Oviedo’s centre when a draw was looking on.