Accrington ST scored five penalties in a chaotic final five minutes to secure a 3-3 draw against Sunderland U21 in the EFL Trophy Group North on Tuesday. The extraordinary finish saw the teams trade spot-kicks in a frantic sequence that rescued a point for John Doolan's side.
Sunderland's Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi opened the scoring after eleven minutes. Charlie Warren equalised for Accrington midway through the first half, but Tom Proctor restored the visitors' lead before the break. Cole Stockton levelled again early in the second half, only for Timur Tutierov to put Sunderland back in front just after the hour mark.
The game appeared to be drifting away from Accrington until the 93rd minute, when substitute Stefan Mols pulled a goal back. What followed was a penalty shootout in all but name. Proctor scored a penalty for Sunderland in the 92nd minute, but Mols immediately replied with one for Accrington. Josh Woods then converted another for the hosts in the 93rd minute. Sunderland missed their next three penalties through Jack Whittaker, Tutierov and Archie Lightfoot, while Tyler Walton scored Accrington's fifth successful spot-kick in the 95th minute to complete the scoring.
The draw extends Accrington's unbeaten run to three matches across all competitions. It also provides a positive note ahead of their return to League Two action, where they currently sit 21st with six points from seven games. Their next challenge is a trip to face 13th-placed Swindon Town on Saturday.
John Doolan's team dominated possession with 56 percent and created more chances, registering 22 shots to Sunderland's 14. The manager made several changes at half-time, introducing Donald Love and Josh Woods, which ultimately changed the game's dynamic. The result leaves Accrington with work to do in their EFL Trophy group but with momentum from a dramatic comeback. Check the latest standings for their position in both competitions.
