Former Sunderland midfielder aiming for promotion announces his return to club recently

A former Sunderland midfielder has assessed his future are scoring on his home debut for his new club.

Former Sunderland midfielder Ethan Robson made the perfect start to his home debut with new club Gateshead.

The Black Cats academy product has endured a difficult season after a summer move to Carlisle United failed to spark an upturn in fortunes as the Cumbrians battle to preserve their League Two status. However, Robson joined National League play-off challengers Gateshead last month and has made a promising start to life at the International Stadium. After making his debut in a 3-1 defeat at title favourites Barnet, the 28-year-old midfielder found the net on his International Stadium bow as Carl Magnay’s men claimed a 2-1 win against struggling Dagenham and Redbridge.

Gateshead were already a goal ahead after recent addition Tim Akinola opened the scoring when Robson, who made 14 senior appearances for the Black Cats, collected a pass from midfield partner Regan Booty before beating former Newcastle United goalkeeper Jake Turner. Despite Josh Rees pulling a goal back for the visitors, Gateshead held on to boost their bid to secure one of the six play-off places on offer in the National League – and Robson believes they can reach their goal if they remain focused on the challenges that lie ahead over the final month of the season.

He told The Echo: “I am delighted to be back out there and amongst the goals. It was a very good performance in the first-half and we tired a little bit in the second-half but as the games go on we will keep getting stronger.It was a bit nervy at the end but to get it over the line gave us a big three points after a good performance. It’s a brilliant club, I’m really enjoying it so far, the lads are all top lads and it’s a really good club.