DARLINGTON'S pre-season preparations continued as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Sunderland's development side at Heritage Park.

Martin Gray's side gave a good account of themselves against a Black Cats side that included Scotland international Phil Bardsley, but were unable to hold out after twice pulling themselves back to level terms.

Sunderland's second string claimed the lead shortly after the half-hour mark as Louis Laing drove home after good work from Craig Lynch.

Darlington levelled at the start of the second half, although Andy Johnson needed two bites of the cherry after Bardsley brought him down in the box.

Joel Dixon saved Johnson's penalty, but the Quakers striker reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.

Sunderland regained the lead from a penalty of their own, with Jordan Laidler converting after a Darlington defender was penalised for handling Liam Agnew's shot.

The hosts equalised for a second time when Jordan Robinson rose at the back post to plant a powerful header beyond Dixon.

However, Sunderland claimed a winner with five minutes left as summer signing Duncan Watmore converted Laidler's free-kick.