Charlton Athletic fell to a 3-1 defeat against Sunderland in the PGA Cup as the visitors managed to gain the upper hand in the second half.
The first half of the game showcased a very even display of football, but Sunderland managed to break the deadlock first, taking the lead in the 17th minute.
Charlton responded well to going behind and drew level in the 22nd minute. Norton worked hard to get the ball into the box and delivered a cross to find the head of Marks, who slotted the equaliser home.
As the half continued, the Addicks had several opportunities to find a second goal. Finlayson rattled the post, and the ball fell into a scramble of players, but no one could provide the decisive touch. Sunderland then countered from this and created a scramble at the other end, though the Charlton defence managed to clear the danger.
The second half started in frantic fashion, with the game going from end to end for the first ten minutes.
The Addicks had one of their best chances of the game when Bethelmie found space on the wing, ran into it, and crossed the ball to Norton. Surrounded by the Sunderland defence, Norton’s shot was off target and subsequently cleared by the opposition.
In the 64th minute, Sunderland found their second goal from a corner, giving themselves the advantage and shifting the momentum of the game.
This was followed by their third goal six minutes later, leaving the Addicks with a tough task in their battle for a place in the semi-finals.
While the home side battled until the end to try and find a way back into the game, it was Sunderland who came out on top in this quarter-final.
