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League: EPLSport: SoccerCountry: EnglandCategory: Scores & Results

Sean Thornton scores twice as Sunderland rallies against Hearts in pre-season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 5:00 AM

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

Sean Thornton scores twice as Sunderland rallies against Hearts in pre-season
Summary

Sunderland's pre-season match against Hearts sees a late comeback, with Sean Thornton scoring two goals to level the game at 2-2. The team struggled initially, trailing two goals until Thornton's impact changed the dynamics in the last 20 minutes. The match followed a mixed set of pre-season results for Sunderland, highlighting the challenges they faced after relegation. Thornton’s performance offers hope for the upcoming season as Mick McCarthy works to rebuild the squad.

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By the Numbers
  • •Thornton scores a direct free kick and a header to equalize.
  • •Sunderland was trailing 2-0 until Thornton's introduction.
  • •Hearts led through goals from Phil Stamp and Mark De Vries.
  • •The match was part of Sunderland's pre-season preparation.
  • •Mixed results in earlier friendlies raised concerns for Sunderland.
Latest Updates
  • 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — On This Day (30 July 2003) Thornton At The Double To Provide Just A Little Bit Of Hope
What they're saying
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Looking back on this pre-season does make you appreciate just how good a job McCarthy ultimately did during 03-04.

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