Sunderland reserves lose for first time - January 9, 2001
Sunderland's reserves went into their game against Liverpool last night trying to make it ten games unbeaten so far this season but their run was finally halted by a star-studded Reds outfit.
Irish players make up a huge part of the Sunderland reserve squad and last night was no different as Clifford Byrne, Brendan McGill and Paul and Thomas Butler were all in the starting line-up.
Liverpool also held Irish interest in the shape of Richie Partridge but the flying winger was substituted at half time.
Robbie Fowler opened the scoring for the Reds team which saw Jari Litmanen making his debut.
Then Thomas Butler set up Michael Proctor for the equaliser in the 36th minute but Liverpool proved too strong after the break as Daniel Sjolund scored two unanswered goals to seal the victory.