By The Black Cats
January 14 2009

Conor Hourihane's extra-time goal gave Sunderland a win in a close FA Youth Cup tie. Hourihane, the Irish midfielder, scored in the 96th minute at a rain-soaked Deepdale to ensure Sunderland's passage into the fifth round. The Black Cats, FA Youth Cup semi-finalists last season, will now face Arsenal at home. The tie has to be played before the end of the month.

Kevin Ball's side had the chances to win it in normal time, the best falling to Blair Adams who struck the post in the 63rd minute.

Adams also tested North End keeper Jack Cudworth just before half-time as Sunderland recovered from a sluggish start.

Hourihane broke the deadlock early in extra-time and could have added a second soon after when he fired over from close range.

Jamie Proctor missed a good opportunity to level it in the 118th minute, putting a shot wide from close range, but it would have been harsh on Sunderland who got stronger as the game went on.

Ball said: "It was a tough game but we matched a good Preston side and got stronger as it progressed. We created some decent chances."

Triallist Liam O'Mahoney was included on the Black Cats' team-sheet. The winger replaced Adam Slegg in the second half.

Sunderland: Misiewicz, Bagnall, Madden, Cornforth, Brown, Slegg (O'Mahoney 77), Noble, Reed (Laing 94), Hourihane, Adams, Galer (Hubbuck 77).

(Source  - SAFC.com