SAFC Ressies 1, Smog Ressies 1

Sunderland Reserves kept dignity intact tonight in a match against a small town in Yorkshire's second string at the Archibalds Stadium in Durham.

Massimo Maccarone was getting his first competitive action tonight since damaging ankle ligaments in the Smogs' pre-season friendly against Hull, but he opened the scoring for the opposition only four minutes into the match. The Italian picked up a cross from winger Michael Ricketts who had beaten his marker - then all Maccarone had to do was tap home from six yards.

Sean Thornton was named in tonight's reserve side for Sunderland, having missed out on taking part in yesterday's confidence-boosting performance and win against Ipswich because of suspension. But his presence proved decisive when, in the first minute of first half injury time, he passed to youngster Grant Leadbitter whose resulting shot left the Boro keeper helpless.

In the second half, Sunderland refused to concede and made the Teessiders work hard.

Tommy Smith and Ben Clark were also in tonight's squad, as was Danish defender Casper Andersen who is with Sunderland for a trial period. Mick McCarthy was at the Archibalds Stadium to see how the Dane got on, but he lasted only 14 minutes before being replaced by Patrick Collins.

Reid survives to fight another day

It looks like former Sunderland boss Peter Reid will live to fight another day for his new employers, Leeds United.

Reid attended LUFC's training session as usual at Thorp Arch this morning but Leeds-based radio station Radio Aire – one of the club's official partners - confirmed today that former Sunderland boss Reid was due to meet LUFC’s chairman at 3.30 this afternoon to learn his fate after Board-level discussions about Leeds’ diabolical recent results and worst start to a season in 22 years.

The station says it understands Reid has NOT been sacked, contrary to media speculation that he had been called to meet the chairman to be told his time at Elland Road was up.

Reid and McKenzie left a hotel in Huddersfield after Wednesday's discussions and were smiling; Reid is said to have remarked "I'm going to be manager of this club a long time" before leaving, but McKenzie is reported as saying that he would "sleep on it and make a decision in the morning".

Leeds are currently third from bottom of the Premiership table having played seven matches, won only one, drawn two and lost four – including two 4-0 defeats to both Everton and newly-promoted Leicester. They’ve already conceded 16 goals and scored only 6 – the only current Premiership club with a worse goal difference is Wolves.

It’s less than a year since Reid parted company with Sunderland, and he has been in his current position at Leeds for less than six months.