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THE ‘A1’ SUPPORTERS” NORTH HERTS’ SUNDERLAND SUPPORTERS’ CLUB MAGAZINE
[Motto’s: ‘Let’s push on’ & ‘Trees don’t grow to the sky’]
No. 301 [twenty-sixth year] FEBRUARY 2018
Review EDITOR
Col in Dunn, 129 Minehead Way,
Stevenage, Herts SG1 2JL. 01438 221519
07734 508861
editor@a1blackcats .co.uk [email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS
Col in Chandler • Ed Rayner Col in Dunn •
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
www.safc.com
EFL • Northern Echo Footbal l League Paper
Evening Chronicle
THANKS TO Ian Dunn
Stan Kershaw Pete McGuire
Soccerway
PICTURES
www.safc.com Ian Dunn
Footbal l League Paper
PRODUCTION TEAM The Two Col in’s
PHOTOCOPYING Coleman’s , Bedford
‘ED’S TRAVEL’
Ed Rayner
‘ON-LINE’ VERSION Peter Jobson
______________________
ITEMS FOR
‘REVIEW’ No 302 TO THE EDITOR BY
22nd FEBRUARY 2018
NHSSC Affi l iated to S.A.F.C.S.A www.a1blackcats.co.uk
Meet at
The Victoria, Ba ldock, Herts
PRESIDENT Colin Dunn
CHAIRMAN Frank Garrick
51 Rowallan Drive Bedford MK41 8AS
TREASURER / ENROLMENT Colin Chandler
16 Queens Crescent
Putnoe, Bedford. MK41 9BN 01234 300208
SECRETARY / PUBLICITY Colin Dunn
129 Minehead Way Stevenage, Herts SG1 2JL
01438 221519 07734508861
[email protected] [email protected]
TRANSPORT & TICKETS Ed Rayner
7 Britten Rd Shefford, Beds SG17 5SD
01462 813963 07789035483
[email protected] [email protected]
WEBMASTER Peter Jobson
01202 236762 [email protected]
CONTENTS
P3. REFLECTIONS P4. BRANCH NEWS P7. SAFC NEWS
P12. MATCH REPORTS P26. U23 / U18 / LADIES
P31. A FEW BITS….. P32. ARTICLE P34. TRAVEL
P35. FIXTURES
COVER PIC LEE CATTERMOLE
Telling former
Sunderland players
David Meyler & Seb
Larsson to behave.
ALWAYS REMEMBERED DOUGLAS MELROSE 04/10/20 - 21/06/99
RAY CHAYTOR 19/02/46 - 26/11/99
FRED DUNN 11/06/16 - 29/02/00
DAVE TREWICK 18/03/52 - 25/11/01
ALAN JOBSON
03/04/31 – 30/12/02 RON SMITH
02/10/23 – 29/03/05 AUNT ELSIE
13/03/13 – 28/01/07 DENNIS TAYLOR
25/11/24 - 25/08/09 ROGER MAKIN
04/06/32 – 22/12/09 EDDIE PERKINS
17/04/41 - 04/09/11 JUNE FLINT
30/06/36 –13/04/13 ‘GEORDIE’ RAYNER
12/01/28 – 22/06/13 NORMAN COULTON
27/02/63 – 15/10/13 MARGARET HOLLAND 04/12/25 – 05/12/14
HARRY MORRELL 26/11/50 – 30/09/15
Reflections WHAT a strange set of results since Christmas! Our first three games were against
teams that were on runs of games without a win – so we all know what that normally
means!
First up was a trip to Sheffield Utd. They had beaten us at the SoL quite comfortably
back in early September but had fallen away in recent matches. They got back on track
with a comfortable 3-0 win…..we were awful! Chris Coleman was NOT happy!
Next up was a trip to Nottm Forest, who had also won at the SoL in September.
Somehow, despite only 1 shot at goal, 1 corner, and only 37% possession we won 1-0!
Barnsley had stuffed us 3-0 at their place at the end of August but had been struggling
for most of the season….and they were on a bad run. After the – perhaps fortunate –
win at Forest you would have thought we’d be on a ‘high’, but as happened after our
win at Burton we followed up with an insipid display and lost at home! This time it
was 1-0. Again it was a poor display!
A welcome escape from the League came with a trip to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup
3rd
Rd…..and ended with a 5th
successive defeat to the Smogheads. Again, we were
not good!
It was now 3 games out of 4 without a goal…..sorry, make that 4 out of 5, after a
dreadful display at Cardiff ended in a 4-0 drubbing…..and it was ‘Live’ on TV for all
the world to see! A truly ‘horror show’ in South Wales against a Cardiff side who had
also been on a poor run recently. Teams must relish playing Sunderland when they
want to end a run of poor results! It has been happening for years.
So, we come to yet another ‘must win’ game….against struggling Hull City. As Hull
have several ex Sunderland players in their regular team there was always the
possibility that one of those players would play a blinder, or s core the winning goal.
That would make a change wouldn’t it! We fielded a young / inexperienced team, but
played much better than of late and deserved the 1-0 win. Sure, there were some ‘iffy’
moments……but we are talking about Sunderland AFC here! Hopefully this win,
which lifted us off the bottom of the table, will inspire an upsurge in performances and
results……though we have thought similar thoughts previously this season. Fingers
crossed this time though.
Whether we secure any new players in the transfer window we shall see. A goal-scorer
is a must, despite the promise of both Asoro & Maja.
TRY AND ENJOY THE REST OT THE SEASON.. Let’s push on....Miracles DO happen (a lot)!
Next year the World! Haway the Lads! CD 3
► REPORT OF MEETING – 4th JANUARY 2018: Meeting started at 2035 hrs with 5 members present.
Apologies for absence received from….Stan Kershaw (a mixture of old age & shitty
weather); Pete McGuire (“I’m not going if Stan’s not!”) & Frank Garrick (apparently
unwell in York)
CHAIRMAN: [Frank Garrick] – Absent. The secretary welcomed those present to,
what is hoped is, a temporary ‘home’ in the ‘snug’ at the Victoria pub. ….
SECRETARY: [Colin Dunn] - Summary of last meeting is in latest issue of
‘Review’. [No. 300] Matters arising: > Letter from Sir Bob Murray – this is an appeal for funds for the ‘Beacon of Light’.
> No response from Chris Coleman re ‘welcome’ letter sent
with ‘Review’….no doubt he has more important
matters at hand! Current matters: > Curry Night – arranged for Wed 10
th January in Bedford.
TREASURER: [Colin (WNH) Chandler] - See ‘Review’ for Financial Report
updates. TRANSPORT: [Ed Rayner] – An 8-seater mini-bus is booked for Hull (h). Various
‘local away games coming up. Get in requests for tickets / travel. A.O.B.
SAFC NEWS UPDATES: New manager, team news, injuries, stats, Academy update, Old Boys & ‘Loan’ updates, …..
U23 fixtures: Monday 5th
February v West Ham at Dagenham & Redbridge. Any interest? May be a car going from Stevenage.
U18 fixture – FA Youth Cup at Watford….Sunday 7th
Jan 2.00pm KO ‘REVIEW’ No 300…..have received a couple of favourable comments.
Apologies for ‘gremlins’ in some KO times in fixture list.
2017 League table – all divisions…..not good reading as we are bottom!
NEXT MEETINGS: Thursdays 1st
February & 1st
March 2018
Meeting closed – 2055 hrs Colin Dunn (Secretary)
4
BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS
► TREASURER’S REPORT: Here are the branch membership and treasury matters since last month’s report.
> FINANCES: Balance at 21/12/17 - £3383.97. Income – Last-Scorer Sweep - £4.50 – (Hull) winner Simon Christie £10. 3-Scorer Sweep - £1.40 – (Hull) no winner – fund now £87.20
Memberships x 3 – 18.00 3 late renewals take our membership up to137. Membership donation - £2.00. many thanks. Ticket overpayment – £2.00 – member’s ticket
transaction rounded up. Many thanks. Exp - Review Printing - £33.01 – (January). Review Postage - £8.98 – (December) – Overseas only as the UK stamps come from our stock.
Postage Stamps – £295.60 - 500 2nd
class stamps for ‘Review’ and 24 1
st class for general correspondence.
Envelopes – £24.99 - 500 for ‘Review’. Minibus subsidy – £3.17 - Hull match. Balance at 21/1/18 - £3046.12. > BIRTHDAYS (taken from those who ticked their acceptance on the members hip
slips). February: Chris Sharp (19
th), Kathryn Swanston (23
rd) & Bryan Wappat (28
th.)
Many congratulations to you all.
Colin Chandler
….and let’s not forget:
RON SMITH (Aged 81 - died 29/03/2005)
[………oh, and MY 43rd
wedding anniversary on 29th
March. Thanks] CD
► CURRY TREAT: Organised by Andy ‘The Dentist’…….just because he wanted to!
It was held on Wed 10th
January at ‘Indya’ in Bedford. Andy, Mick Woodward &
‘Treasurer’/’Membership’ Secretary, Colin Chandler left their cars at home – they all
live in Bedford! – whilst I drove from Stevenage and collected ‘Transport Officer’ Ed
Rayner from Shefford. The Indian Lager flowed throughout the evening – though I
was ‘good’ and only had 1 pint! The food was excellent tasting and adequately
portioned. The conversation was not as depressing as it could have been given the
(mis) fortunes of The Lads on the pitch. The World was put to right….several times! 5
BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS * BRANCH NEWS
A thoroughly enjoyable evening, which ended with me being volunteered to drop
everyone off at their homes – or nearby.
Must do this again!
CD [Silver Fox]
► VENUE FOR MONTHLY MEETINGS: At our meeting on 4
th January we had to utilise the ‘snug’ at the front of the pub. There
was a pool match on in our usual retreat in the back bar, and the front bar, which has
now been made smaller, was a bit over noisy with a match on the large screen. The
‘snug’ is a section of the old front bar – it is small and has no direct access to the bar
for a beer, so you have to go out into the street and then back into a separate door! Not
ideal. It may be that the pool, match was just a one-off – I will check at the next
meeting (1st
February), but if it is a regular Thursday night event we MAY need to
consider an alternative venue. WATCH THIS SPACE. CD
IN NEED OF A VALET?
Give your car / van / lorry / mini-bus a treat for the New Year
Call today : IAN ‘valet man’ DUNN [NHSSC Branch member]
Mobile: 07720896236 E-mail: [email protected]
Yell.com & Facebook / aquavaleting2
6
► TRANSFER NEWS: [IN] Jake Clarke-Salter: - Sunderland AFC have
completed the loan signing of the 20-yr-old Chelsea
FC defender. He becomes Chris Coleman’s first
signing as Sunderland boss, joining until the end of the
season. Clarke-Salter featured prominently as England
U-20’s won the FIFA World Cup last summer, having
represented the Three Lions throughout his youth. A
product of the Blues’ academy, he made his senior
Premier League debut for Chelsea in 2016, before
joining Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan last year.
Possible loan deals for Jon Walters (Burnley) & Ben Woodburn (Liverpool) have
fallen through.
Sunderland are in talks with Wolves for a deal for winger Ben Marshall, and have
reportedly made a loan approach for Derby County striker Chris Martin. Sunderland
are said to be monitoring Manchester City’s England U19 international Lukas
Nmecha, and Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu (17). Meanwhile, the Black Cats
have also been linked with a move for Bournemouth midfielder Emerson Hyndman
(21) & West Brom midfielder Sam Field (19). Latest rumours link Sunderland &
Leeds Utd in a swap deal involving keeper Andy Lonergan and an ‘un-named’
Sunderland player. According to reports in Scotland, the Black Cats are looking to
sign Livingston striker Matthew Knox after the U17 international impressed on trial.
Tommy Block (18), midfielder with Bognor Regis Town, was on a 1 week trial from
15 January.
Sunderland have recalled Max Stryjek from his loan at Accrington Stanley. He was
injured just minutes into his debut, leaving him on the side-lines for months. On his
return the keeper has divided his time between Accrington and Sunderland U23s.
[OUT] Lewis Grabban has been recalled from his loan spell by Bournemouth and is
expected to join Cardiff or Wolves [Cardiff have bid £4m]. James Vaughan has
completed a permanent transfer to Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed
fee……..allegedly £300,000. Mika Domingues has left the club by mutual consent.
[OUT ON LOAN] Daniel Wright has joined Evo-Stik North side South Shields on a
28-day loan. The midfielder was on target for Sunderland U23s recently as they
defeated Derby County in the Premier League 2 at Eppleton Colliery Welfare. Wright
has represented England at three youth levels.
7
* SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS *
Andrew Nelson has joined Scottish Championship club Falkirk on an international
loan until the end of the season. The forward enjoyed a 28-day loan at Vanarama
National League North side Harrogate earlier this season after featuring heavily for
Sun
derland U23’s.
► PLAYER STATS: (to & inc 20/01/2018) Sq Y R G Sq Y R G 1 Steele 1 2 Jones 2 1
3 Oviedo 7 4 McNair 1
5 Djilobodji 1 6 Cattermole 9† 1*
7 Williams 1 8 Rodwell 1 1
9 Vaughan 5 2 10 Khazri 3
11 Grabban 1 12 12 Domingues
13 McManaman 2† 1* 14 Watmore
15 Galloway 2 16 O’Shea 1
17 NDong 4 1 18 Browning 4
19 McGeady 3 5 20 Maja 1
21 Matthews 1 22 Love 2 1
23 Kone 3 24 Gibson
25 26 Honeyman 4 4
27 Gooch 4 2 28 E Robson
29 Asoro 1 1 30
31 32 Stryjek
35 Clarke-Salter 36 Wilson 4
39
40 Embleton OG 1
Total Yellow cards 65 (58† League + 7 Cup) : Total Red cards 3
Total home league att [to & inc 20/01/2018]: 387,715 (Ave 27,694)
† includes 2 yellow cards in a match.
LEE CATTERMOLE suspended for match at Aston Villa after 5 ‘bookings’.
CALLUM McMANAMAN suspended for match v Wolves after sending off v
Reading*.
LEE CATTERMOLE further suspended for matches v Fulham, Birmingham & Sheff
Utd after sending off v Wolves*.
DIDIER NDONG suspended for 3 matches [ v Hull, Birmingham & Ipswich] after
Red Card v Cardiff. [SAFC appeal was dismissed]
* McMANAMAN / CATTERMOLE – sent-off for 2 yellow cards in a match
8
* SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS *
► INJURY UPDATE: Bryan Oviedo, Lee Cattermole, Didier Ndong, Lynden Gooch & Adam
Matthews have all recovered from injury…. Aiden McGeady (calf) returned as an
unused sub v Hull…. Lamine Kone returned to action for the U23 on 23rd
January…
Billy Jones suffered another injury v Hull City….Paddy McNair (groin & stomach)
remains side-lined……Darron Gibson has under-gone surgery on a groin injury after
tests revealed the muscle had torn away from the bone….. Jonny Williams is back in
training at the Academy of Light following a two-month lay-off. He has recovered
from shoulder surgery and trained alongside his team-mates earlier this week [15
January] .….. Duncan Watmore is still out.
►OUT ON LOAN: Wahbi Khazri (Rennes) – ‘subbed’ in recent matches v PSG & Olympique Marseilles
– they lost 1-6 and 0-3. Played full game in 4-2 win v Toulouse…..Fabio Borini (AC
Milan) – played the full match v Atalanta (23 Dec), then an unused sub v Inter Milan.
He was ‘subbed’ v Fiorentina, and then an unused sub v Crotone (06
Jan)…..Jeremain Lens (Besiktas) – ‘subbed’ in defeat at Sivasspor, then not involved
in Cup win v Osmanlispor…..Papy Djilobodji (Dijon) - scored in Cup tie v
Stasbourg but booked in 94th
minute. Was then sent-off in the 93rd
min of the draw v
Metz (13 Jan)…..Michael Ledger (Hartlepool) – played 90 mins in defeat at
Dagenham & Redbridge (06 Jan)….Andrew Nelson (Falkirk) completed his first 90-
minute run out for Falkirk in a 2-0 defeat by Dunfermline Athletic
► OLD BOYS NEWS: [at 24/01/2018] Blair Adams (Hartlepool Utd) – sent-off v Gateshead….Liam Agnew (Harrogate
Town) – has featured in recent matches….Ben Alnwick (Bolton) – booked in win v
Hull, and named in Sun ‘Team of the Day’ ….Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) – goal v
Brighton & named in Sun ‘Team of the Day’, scored in 2-2 draw at Arsenal….Julio
Arca (South Shields) – scored in 5-1 win v Mossley….Phil Bardsley (Burnley) –
booked in draw at Man Utd, and in defeat at Crystal Palace, and in a defeat at Man
Utd….Darren Bent (Derby) is wanted by Burton Albion on loan…..Liam Bridcutt
(Nottm Forest) was booked in a win at Wolves….Frazier Campbell (Hull) – booked
in loss at Bolton….Darren Carter (Solihull Moors) – scored in wins v Barrow &
Maidenhead….Roarie Deacon (Dundee) – has not featured in any games since mid-
December….Ahmed Elmohammady (Aston Villa) – booked in 1-0 win at Nottm
Forest…..Jonny Evans (West Brom) – booked in draw v Arsenal, scored in 2-0 win v
Brighton and named in Sun ‘Team of the Day’….Danny Graham (Blackburn) – 2
goals in 2-2 draw v Scunthorpe (his 7th
& 8th
for season), and another goal in 3-1 win v
Shrewsbury ….Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa) – booked in win at Middlesbrough,
then scored in 5-0 win v Bristol City, and in a 3-1 win v Barnsley….Billy Knott
(Lincoln City) has joined Rochdale on loan until the end of the season….Seb Larsson
9
* SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS *
(Hull) – booked in draw v Derby, and in 0-0 v Reading, and in 1-0 defeat at
Sunderland ….Grant Leadbitter (Middlesbro’) – booked in loss to Aston Villa, and in
0-1 defeat v Fulham…. James McClean (West Brom) – scored in 2-1 loss at West
Ham….Mikael Mandron (Colchester) – scored in win at Crawley….Vito Mannone
(Reading) was named in the Sun ‘Team of Day’ v Brentford…..Javier Manquillo
(Newcastle) – booked in win at Stoke….Simon Mignolet (Liverpool) is considering a
move to get regular 1st
-team football…. Liam Noble (Notts Co) – booked in the FA
Cup win at Brentford….Tommy Robson (Falkirk) – scored in a 6-1 win v Dundee
Utd….Jon Stead (Notts Co) – scored an 86th
min penalty in 1-0 win v Port Vale, and
scored the goal in a 1-0 FA Cup win at Brentford, and another in 2-2 draw at Lincoln,
and another in a loss to Exeter, and again in a loss to Crawley….Ross Wallace (Sheff
Wed) – booked in loss at Brentford, and 0-0 draw v Sheff Utd, and draw v Cardiff….
…and abroad: Seb Coates (Sporting Lisbon) - scored an own goal in a recent draw v
Belenenses, was then booked in a 1-1 draw v Benfica. Has played the full 90 minutes
in recent games v Martimo & Cova Piedade (10 Jan)….Ji Dong Won (FC Augsburg)
– was not involved in the recent match v Hamburger SV (13 Jan)….Emanuelle
Giaccherini (Napoli) – has been an unused sub in recent matches v Sampdoria,
Crotone & Hellas Verona. He was not in the squad for a recent Cup defeat v
Atalanta…. Asamoah Gyan (Kayserispor) – has made 6 appearances since signing in
July 2017, scoring a goal in a 3-3 draw with Fenerbahce in October…..Gus Poyet is
the new manager at Bourdeaux….Stephane Sessegnon (Montpellier) – joined in Sept
2016 but has been an unused sub in last 5 matches.
► SAFC STATS - 2017/18: [at 20/01/2018] What’s in a number?.......
3 - the number of ‘Red cards’ this season
4 - the number of League games in which Sunderland have received NO bookings.
5 - the number of ‘clean sheets’ in the League.
5 - the number of successive defeats to M’brough
8 - the number of League games in which they have failed to score
7 - the number of years it took to win a game in the month of August
12 - the number of different goal-scorers (League games)….inc 1 OG
11 - the number of years since Sunderland won an ‘away’ game in September.
13 - the number of different goal-scorers (League & Cup games)
21 - the number of different players booked in League & Cup games this season
27 - the number of consecutive successful penalties (League & Cup) 30 - the number of goals scored in the League in the 1
st 28 games.
36 - the number of Sunderland managers in their 138-year history.
47 - the number of goals conceded in the League in the 1st
28 games. 65 - the number of bookings in the 1
st 31 games (League & Cup) this season.
10
* SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS * SAFC NEWS *
► MORE SAFC NEWS…… DIDIER NDONG - Sunderland manager Chris Coleman has spoken openly and
candidly about Ndong’s future at the club. He has revealed that loan offers have been
tabled but insisted the club are focussed on ensuring any deal is a deal that ben efits the
Black Cats. Coleman also confirmed the Gabon international would like to leave the
club, but said he has ‘trained well’ since returning from an ankle injury.
“We’ve had that conversation – myself and Martin – about what do we get out of that
as a club,” said Coleman when asked if a loan deal would ‘be of much use’. “So, this
is what would happen, there’s a loan deal and if he plays 75% of the games there’s a
fee at the end of it, and he’d probably end up playing 73% of the games. Some people
must think we’ve just fallen out the back of a lorry – what are we getting out of that –
so there will be no loan deal unless it absolutely suited Sunderland financially. We’ve
had a couple of enquiries about Didier for loan deals which is not something we’re
going to agree to unless there is an absolute guarantee at the end of it, and, at the
minute, there isn’t so we’re not anywhere further forward than that. It’s common
knowledge that Didier would like to leave and he sees his future elsewhere”
JACK RODWELL - Sunderland have told £10million midfielder Jack Rodwell they
will tear up his contract if he can find another club. Press Association Sport
understands the 26-year-old, who has made just 76 senior appearances for the Black
Cats during his three and a half years to date on Wearside, has asked to leave the
Stadium of Light and has been told he can go for free. However, it is understood
Rodwell, whose five-year contract when he joined the club from Manchester City in
August 2014 did not include a 40 per cent wage reduction clause in the event of
relegation, is yet to accept the offer. Rodwell accepts his Sunderland career is over
and wants a fresh start at another club - but believes it is ‘unfair’ for the Black Cats to
expect him to tear up his £70,000-per-week contract, which has 18 months still to run,
and leave him ‘jobless’.
The capture of the former England international, who was signed by former boss Gus
Poyet, was seen as something of a coup at the time, but Rodwell's time in the north -
east has been dismal. Injuries and a lack of form have hampered his progress, and he
was not helped by a woeful record which saw him start 39 Premier League games for
City and Sunderland without tasting victory before the 4-0 win at Crystal Palace in
February last year, a wait of 1,370 days. He last turned out for Sunderland in their 3-0
EFL Cup defeat at former club Everton on September 20, the last of only three
appearances during the campaign to date.
Rodwell states: “It hasn’t worked out, but that’s not through lack of effort.”
[I wonder how many / few – fans agree with him? Not a lot!...CD[TSF]] LATE NEWS: He has gone on trial at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem
LATE, LATE NEWS: Vitesse Arnhem have withdrawn the offer of a trial! (25th
Jan)
11
SHEFFIELD UTD v SUNDERLAND [TUES 26
TH DECEMBER 2017]
Sunderland produced a lacklustre Boxing Day display at Bramall Lane as Sheffield
United claimed a comfortable win. John Lundstram opened the scoring before the
break and Richard Stearman and George Baldock found the net following the restart,
on a day to forget for Chris Coleman’s men.
Sunderland were dealt a hefty blow ahead of kick-off as top scorer Lewis Grabban was
ruled out due to a calf injury. The on-loan AFC Bournemouth striker has found the net
on 12 occasions this season, including one in last week’s draw with Birmingham City,
with his absence resulting in a recall for Aiden McGeady. Bryan Oviedo was also
recalled to the starting XI as Donald Love dropped to the bench, but Didier Ndong
wasn’t included in the match-day squad.
Sheffield United bossed the early play and their powerful frontline of Leon Clark and
Clayton Donaldson put the Black Cats under immediate pressure. With five minutes
on the clock, Donaldson beat the offside trap with ease but Robbin Ruiter was quick
off his line to close the angle and the striker was only able to clipp the ball over the
Dutchman and to safety. The Blades continued to play at a similar tempo with their
high-pressing style not giving Sunderland an inch, as James Vaughan and A iden
McGeady remained isolated.
Donaldson, who scored two goals in the Blades’ 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light in
September, continued to menace and with 14 minutes on the clock he missed a glaring
opportunity. Mark Duffy’s sumptuous cross put the ball on a plate for the striker inside
the six-yard box, but he put it well wide before his blushes were spared by an offside
flag. Sunderland, meanwhile, were sloppy in possession and their carelessness on the
ball ensured they were unable to apply any sustained pressure at the opposite end.
Duffy remained the chief orchestrator within the Blades’ ranks and it seemed
inevitable that the home side would open the scoring before the break – and they did
exactly that with the midfielder playing a pivotal role. With 36 minutes on the clock,
Duffy picked out Lundstram and the midfielder steered a low finish through the bodies
and into the corner to hand the home side a deserved lead. And the Black Cats were
fortunate not to find themselves further behind before the break, as Jack O’Connell
glanced a towering header inches wide of the post.
Sunderland switched to a 4-4-2 formation with the ball in the second period, as Ty
Browning moved to right-back and Adam Matthews pushed forward, and they showed
12
* MATCH REPORTS * MATCH REPORTS * MATCH REPORTS * MATCH REPORTS *
more signs of intent in the final third. But it wasn’t enough to test the home side and
off the ball they let themselves down with 58 minutes on the clock, as United doubled
their lead. Duffy’s free-kick curled into the danger area and the Black Cats failed to
react accordingly, allowing an unmarked Stearman to head in via the post. And it went
from bad to worse within four minutes as Baldock’s bullet header gave Ruiter no
chance to make it 3-0 before the Blades strolled to victory.
FINAL SCORE: SHEFFIELD UTD 3 SUNDERLAND 0
Sunderland: Ruiter, Matthews, O’Shea, Browning, Wilson*, Oviedo*, Gibson,
Honeyman (McManaman 79), Gooch (Asoro 67), McGeady, Vaughan (Maja 79).
[unused subs - Steele, Love, Embleton, Jones.]
* booked Attendance: 30,668 (2,213 away)
www.safc.com
Chris Coleman: “It was a bitterly disappointing performance. In the four weeks I’ve
been here, I’ve never seen that performance. We haven’t won every game but we’ve
been in games. We were never in that game today. It’s not good enough. Unless we get
better, stronger, meaner & hungrier then we’re never going to get away from where
we are.”
WORRYINGLY……….we had NO corners…… and NO shots on target!
UNSURPRISINGLY…..Sheffield Utd stopped a six-match streak without victory!
CD [Silver Fox]
________________________________________________
NOTTINGHAM FOREST v SUNDERLAND [SAT 30
TH DECEMBER 2017]
Chris Coleman was a proud manager and believes his side were well worth this victory
at the City Ground, which moved them out of the relegation zone. Aidan McGeady’s
header five minutes before the break ensured the Black Cats took all three points and
piled the pressure on Forest manager Mark Warburton [NB – he was sacked after the
match…….CD]
“The guys were brilliant. I was critical of us last game but this time out I was so proud
of them. We played some good football and defended well for long periods. They hit
the post in the last minute but we deserved the 3 points and the performance had a lot
of meaning and intent. Some of our defensive play was stunning.” said Coleman.
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“It’s not just the action, it’s the organisation before the action happened, and to come
here and not let them get on top is really pleasing.” he continued.
Both sides were in need of a win and the opening period was a cagey affair, with the
visitors well organised under pressure from Forest. A long ball over the top nearly
caught out Black cats capt John O’Shea as hesitancy allowed Daryl Murphy in, but his
shot under pressure was easily dealt with. The home side were having the better of the
chances with Murphy’s effort leaving keeper Robin Ruiter stranded to the spot but
curling the wrong side of the post, and a diving header failing to trouble the
Sunderland goal. With chances coming for the home side, Murphy was again in the
thick of the action as he rose highest to a Ben Osborn cross, but couldn’t keep his
header on target from 6 yards.
The visitors struck the killer blow just before the break as a neat move down the left
saw Adam Matthews deliver a pin-point cross for McGeady to plant his header beyond
Forest keeper Jordan Smith.
Tactical changes at the break saw Forest look to play in a much more attacking
manner through a more attacking midfield, but the defensive display of the visitors
continued to frustrate the home fans. Sunderland’s back line continued to thwart any
danger, keeping their shape compact, and with Murphy departing injured midway
through the 2nd
-half, chances dried up for the hosts.
As the clock wound down, two late headers from Ben Brereton & Michael Mancienne
were off target, with the home side failing to test Ruiter in the Black Cats goal.
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Forest almost snatched a late equaliser as full-back Eric Lichaj’s shot, deep into injury
time, hit the post to deny the home side a share of the points.
FINAL SCORE: NOTTINGHAM FOREST 0 SUNDERLAND 1
Sunderland: Ruiter, Browning, O’Shea, Wilson, Love, Matthews, Gibson,
Honeyman, McManaman (Gooch, 70), McGeady (Oviedo, 83), Maja (Vaughan, 65)
[unused subs - Steele, Asoro, Jones, Embleton.]
NO BOOKINGS! Att: 26,830
The Football League Paper.
McGeady admitted it was the first headed goal of his career.
McGeady was named in the FLP ‘Team of the Day’
Gibson was named in the Sun ‘Team of the Day’
MATCH STATS………we had ONE corner……..ONE shot on target…..and NIL off-
target……we had the only offside of the match……we only conceded 4 fouls…..and we
had only 37% of possession. Sounds a really exciting match!
CD [Silver Fox]
_______________________________________________________
SUNDERLAND v BARNSLEY [MON 1
st JANUARY 2018]
Sunderland sank back into the bottom three after losing at home to relegation rivals
Barnsley.
Defender Ethan Pinnock headed home from a corner just after half-time to ensure the
Black Cats made a losing start to 2018, and to give Barnsley their first league double
over Sunderland since 1986-87.
The Wearsiders had started the day outside the relegation zone on goal difference, one
place and one point behind Barnsley. But this win meant Barnsley moved up to 19th in
the table, four points ahead of Sunderland, and with Burton Albion and Bolton
Wanderers winning, those sides both leapfrogged Chris Coleman’s side. The Black
Cats are now next-to-bottom of the Championship, two points behind Burton and Hull
City who are the sides immediately above them.
It was another hugely disappointing performance from Sunderland, far more
reminiscent of the turgid display they delivered in the Boxing Day defeat at Sheffield
United than in Saturday’s win at Nottingham Forest. And the frustration showed at the
Stadium of Light with boos ringing out at the final whistle.
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Coleman made two changes to the side that started at Forest. Bryan Oviedo came into
the side in place of Marc Wilson, who was not on the teamsheet and had presumably
picked up a knock at the City Ground. That meant Oviedo operated at left wingback
with Adam Matthews replacing Wilson as the third centre-back. James Vaughan
replaced teenager Josh Maja in a straight swap up front.
Barnsley took the game to Sunderland in the early stages, and were inches away from
taking the lead inside five minutes when Aiden McGeady lost possession midway
inside his own half and Mamadou Thiam’s long-range shot beat Robbin Ruiter but
came back off the bar. But Sunderland gradually began to get a foothold in the game
with Callum McManaman embarking on a surging run through the middle before
seeing his weak shot saved by Adam Davies. Sunderland suffered a blow just after the
half-hour when Darron Gibson appeared to aggravate the groin injury he has been
carrying and had to be replaced by Paddy McNair, who himself has only just
recovered from a groin problem. A couple of minutes later Lloyd Isgrove tested Ruiter
with a low shot from inside the area on the left but the Dutchman made a vital block.
And then a couple of minutes before the break it was Sunderland’s turn to rattle the
woodwork as Oviedo’s free-kick from just outside the right corner of the box beat
Davies only to hit the right-hand post and bounce clear.
Coleman sent on Maja in place of Oviedo at half-time and went 4-4-2, but within two
minutes of the restart the Black Cats fell behind. Zeki Fryers’ corner from the right
was somehow allowed to bounce inside the six yard area and Matthews failed to track
Pinnock as he ghosted in to head into the roof of the net from close range. Ruiter made
another good block from Potts to prevent further damage on the hour. Midway through
the half McNair volleyed wide of the right-hand upright from just inside the box. Sub
Joel Asoro saw a header blocked behind late on, but a second goal for Barnsley looked
more likely than a Sunderland equaliser with George Moncur firing across the face of
goal from a tight angle.
FINAL SCORE: SUNDERLAND 0 BARNSLEY 1
SUNDERLAND: Ruiter, Browning, O’Shea, Matthews, Love*, Gibson (McNair 33),
Honeyman, Oviedo (Maja 46), McManaman (Asoro 61), Vaughan, McGeady.
[unused subs : Steele, Jones, Beadling, Embleton]
* booked Att:28,311 Evening Chronicle
Speaking to safc.com post-match, Coleman mulled over a frustrating afternoon at the
Stadium of Light. “When you see the goal we have conceded it kind of optimised
[‘epitomised’ ?.......Editor] us all afternoon really,” he said. “We were slow to take
charge and we were bullied really from the first minute. Barnsley deserved the three
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points. There might have been a penalty right at the end but it would’ve been harsh on
them. It was hard for us because we lost Darron Gibson after 30 minutes and we are
short in that area with injuries. That was tough and we lost Marc Wilson before the
game,” he continued. “We had to revamp it a little bit but we never took charge of it
today. They started bright and we never really got into it. We showed some good signs
but after we lost Darron we never really got into our rhythm. “Here at home, I can see
it is a bit too much for us and because of the position we are in. “We were on our
heels, we looked nervous and we should’ve stepped in and taken more charge of the
situation.”
______________________________________________________
MIDDLESBROUGH v SUNDERLAND [SAT 6
th JANUARY 2018]
[F.A CUP 3rd
RD]
MIDDLESBROUGH cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup as they were
comfortable winners of their Tees-Wear derby with Sunderland.
First-half goals from Rudy Gestede and Martin Braithwaite proved decisive at the
Riverside, with the former rounding off some good work from the impressive Adama
Traore and the latter taking advantage of a goalkeeping error from Jason Steele.
Boro were the dominant side for the majority of the game, and having already beaten
Sunderland at home in the league this season, the Teessiders have now won their last
five matches against the Black Cats.
Chris Coleman’s patched-up side struck the woodwork through a second-half header
from Josh Maja, but never really looked like clawing back their half-time deficit. As a
result, they can now focus their undivided attention on trying to pull clear of the
Championship’s bottom three.
Tony Pulis could have made a host of changes to his Boro side, but the new manager
at the Riverside is keen to build some momentum and only made three alterations to
the side that began the New Year’s Day win at Preston. Coleman basically had to go
with the only senior players available to him, handing a first senior start to young
midfielder Ethan Robson.
The Black Cats lost 1-0 at the Riverside in the league earlier this season, and Bo ro’s
continued dominance was apparent from the off. Gestede headed Stewart Downing’s
ninth-minute corner wide of the target, but the Teessiders only had to wait another 60
seconds to break the deadlock. Traore was the most threatening player on the pitch a ll
afternoon, and the winger set up Boro’s opener with a mazy dribble that started in his
own half. After skipping past two opponents, Traore slipped the ball through to
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Gestede, and the striker prodded a first-time finish past an onrushing Steele.
Steele did rather better moments later, palming the ball away after Braithwaite shot
from the edge of the area, and while Daniel Ayala was forced to throw his body in the
way of a shot from George Honeyman moments later, Sunderland never really looked
like getting themselves back into the game. Honeyman was the only visiting player
who seemed to want the ball, with Callum McManaman a spectator and Maja looking
out of his depth in attack.
As a result, Boro continued to dictate proceedings, with Jonny Howson firing a 20-
yard shot straight at Steele and Braithwaite dragging a shot past the left -hand post after
skipping past a challenge on the edge of the box. Downing, who was making his 600th
career appearance, also fired wide, but Sunderland’s hopes of making it to the interval
without conceding a second goal were dashed three minutes before the break. Steele’s
return to the Riverside did not go to plan as he flapped at Downing’s corne r, and while
Ryan Shotton was unable to get a shot away, the ball broke kindly for Braithwaite to
roll home a simple finish.
Boro deserved their two-goal lead at the interval, but Sunderland came within inches
of clawing a goal back three minutes after the break. Maja stole ahead of his marker to
meet Honeyman’s corner with a near-post glanced header, but the ball rebounded off
the crossbar.
That was Sunderland’s only real chance of getting back into the game, and Boro
almost claimed a third goal moments later as Steele turned Traore’s shot around the
post.
Sunderland saw plenty of the ball in the second half, but didn’t really look like doing
much with it. Boro took their foot off the gas as they defended their two -goal
advantage, with Pulis shoring up his midfield via the introduction of Adam Clayton
off the substitutes’ bench. The Teessiders still pushed forward sporadically though,
and would have added a third goal with 16 minutes left had Steele not done well to tip
Gestede’s volley over the crossbar after the Boro striker met Shotton’s cross.
FINAL SCORE: MIDDLESBROUGH 2 SUNDERLAND 0
SUNDERLAND: Steele; Jones, O’Shea, Browning; Love*, Wilson, E Robson
(Embleton 81), Oviedo; McManaman (Asoro 53), Honeyman*, Maja (Vaughan 73).
[unused subs : Ruiter (gk), Galloway, Beadling, Gamble.]
* booked Att: 26,399
Northern Echo
SOME MATCH STATS……there were NO offsides in the match……we only conceded
7 fouls…..we had 49% possession.
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CARDIFF CITY v SUNDERLAND [SAT 13
th JANUARY 2018]
This match was shown ‘Live’ on Sky Sports…….and this is what I made of it all.
With the recent departure of Grabban & Vaughan it was no surprise to see a very
defensive line-up from Chris Coleman. New signing Clarke-Salter made his debut and
both Ndong & Gooch returned to action. Youngster Josh Maja was on his own
upfront. On the bench were the recently recovered Cattermole & Matthews. It didn’t
bode well for a win!
The 1st
-half was generally uneventful. Sunderland had just a few forays
upfield….Browning firing high & wide on 9 mins, and Honeyman off target on 12
mins. Ruiter made a good one-handed save on 22 mins. Oviedo (40 mins) & Gooch
(45 mins) were both booked, but there was no such fate for Cardiff’s Mendez-Laing (7
mins) for a wild kick on Oviedo! Sunderland looked ‘panicky’…. distribution was a
bit ‘iffy’ once again……Wilson’s distribution was ‘not good’ – to be kind! Maja took
a knock on 33 mins and was hobbling for a while. A couple of scrambles in the
Sunderland box – but it was 0-0 at half-time.
It all changed in the 2nd
-half. The first change was Cattermole replacing the ineffective
Wilson. Within a minute of the restart we were 1-0 down. Poor marking from a corner
on our left, some hesitancy from the keeper…..and in it went. Awful! Within a couple
of minutes we were down to 10 men after Ndong was sent-off for a tackle on Hollett.
Yes, he had his studs showing – as you tend to do when you stretch your leg forward
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to reach the ball – but, having watched it over and over on TV replays, his heel was
touching the ground and he connected with the bottom part of the ball with his foot –
unfortunately his foot rolled over the top of the ball and hit Hollett’s shin. I think the
red card was a bit harsh.
Sunderland were now in a mess and it got worse on 55 mins. Cardiff broke quickly
and the ball into the middle was met by Ralls who fired home. There was not a lot of
resistence from the Sunderland midfield / defence! On the hour Asoro replaced Gooch.
The change had no noticeable effect as Sunderland were all over the place. On 64 mins
it could / should have been 3-0 as defenders got in each others way and there was
chaos in the box….somehow the ball was cleared. We very nearly got a surprise goal
on 66 mins when, from a free-kick on the left, a Cardiff defender headed against his
own post. However things were soon back to ‘normal’ and Cardiff put a header wide
from an unmarked position at the far post.
On 78 mins McManaman replaced Maja, and we endured more defensive confusion &
mayhem. It was a surprise on 79 mins when O’Shea somehow avoided a booking for a
blatant body-check! A couple of minutes later it was 3-0 as the unmarked Paterson
fired home from the edge of the box. Sunderland were by now a complete shambles
and it was no surprise when Cardiff added a 4th
goal in the 94th
minute. Sunderland
gave away possession in the middle of the park and made no challenge as Cardiff
practically walked the ball into the net.
It was awful to watch. The 2nd
-half had been an embarrassment.
We had had NO shots on target…….we had forced ONE corner……BUT, somehow,
we seemed to have had 52% possession!
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 4 SUNDERLAND 0
Sunderland: Ruiter, Jones, Browning, Clarke-Salter, O’Shea, Oviedo*, Wilson
(Cattermole 46), Ndong†, Honeyman, Gooch* (Asoro 60), Maja (McManaman 78).
[unused subs: Steele, Robson, Love, Matthews.]
* booked †sent-off Attendance: 17,703
CD {Silver Fox]
Speaking post-match, Chris Coleman delivered his verdict from the Cardiff City
Stadium. “We were defending a corner after 30 seconds after they had already had a
shot on goal,” he said. “From the resulting corner we gift them a goal which isn’t what
it’s about. We can’t do that. For 45 minutes we came here, it was going to be tough.
Cardiff go man for man and it wasn’t easy in the first 45. But we gave them a goal and
psychologically it killed us. We are bottom of the league and after 30 seconds of the
restart we are 1-0 down. We can’t accept that. Forget the sending off – sometimes they
are given and sometimes they aren’t. We have given the referee the chance to make a
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decision. We have got to be right at it from the start and we weren’t clearly. It was a
defensive error that cost us the goal at the most vital time of the game. That led to the
downfall in the second half”
Former player Mickey Gray on Ruiter’s performance at Cardiff
“It was catastrophic mistakes, firstly from Ruiter,” he said. “It can’t happen. He’s
running around players, flapping his arm at it. This is an experienced goalkeeper. He’s
making silly mistakes every week, that’s why he can’t pick between two goalkeepers.”
_______________________________________________________
SUNDERLAND v HULL CITY [SAT 20
th JANUARY 2018]
After a few trips where numbers have been down, it all came together today when
everyone synchronised perfectly and we ran a full bus. It was nice especially as there
also seemed to be a bit more optimism around. I can’t speak for anyone else but for me
it’s due to Chris Coleman’s style where he comes across in a more positive manner
than either Moyes or Grayson did. We’ve still got huge problems which of course
won’t be fixed quickly but I like the manner in which he concentrates on those who
want to play for him/SAFC and leaves the rest to sort themselves out in a case of what
will be, will be.
Right, I looked at the weather forecast before setting off to get a gist of what to expect
today. Well, one has to get one’s wardrobe right because there’s nothing worse than
getting cold on Saturday and not getting warm until Sunday. After all, what would the
Tolerant Mrs C warm her feet on in bed? Rain was due all day at home but it was
going to be cold but sunny in the North East. And so it was. We waited for the bus at
the BCR in a drab Bedfordshire drizzle and it stayed drab, if drier, for much of the
way up. Once on the A19, there was still a fair amount of midweek snow remaining in
the fields much of which came right up to the edge of the road. Very picturesque,
especially when you’re looking at it through the window of a warm and cosy bus.
On arrival in Sunderland, we went through our usual pre-match routine of dropping off
those who wanted before heading for fuel, stotties and Juliet’s splendid rolls. What
simple pleasures we have. We had a much livelier pre-match spell in the Harbour
View today mainly because there were enough of us to keep a conversation going. It
also meant there were more than enough bodies to run the sweeps and swindles and
that was a bit of a laugh too. Of course, it’s all pretty random when the “last scorer”
tickets are picked because no one knows who’s got who until the team is announced
just before kick-off. However, Editor Dunn took the empty seat next to me at the
ground and, seeing which player he had as I filled in the sheet, seemed very keen that
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Brian Oviedo should push forward at every opportunity. To give Brian his dues, he
looks like a player who knows where the goal is compared to other defensive players
like Cattermole or Billy Jones. I’m sure they try just as hard but we often see their
efforts go high or wide.
Well today was a game of two halves. In the first, we fizzed about with lots of
movement and attacking passing. We scored too. In the second – especially just after
half time and towards full time – we were less so and they came onto us. Was it our
plan or did Hull use their initiative? Still, it all worked out well in the end. With our
two busy youths up front, things were looking pretty good. Not only are they
enthusiastic, they also seem to know where each other is so I guess their time together
in the lower levels has been well spent. Both had early attempts saved but around the
20 minute mark, we had a great passing move down the right which ended with a
lovely ball from Honeyman through to Asoro. Although a little wide in the area, he
shot across the keeper and inside the far post to score a superb goal.
Good lad but what a great team effort featuring crisp and accurate passing. It was a joy
to watch. By this stage, we were in control and it would have been great had we added
a second. It wasn’t to be but the team as a whole were playing well especially O’Shea
and Cattermole who have both come in for some critisism lately. Another young lad in
the ranks today was Ethan Robson who seemed to blend well with Cattermole in
midfield. They did get in each other’s way at times but it’s early days and I thought
both played well and complemented each other. If they develop a good pairing, then it
might do both them, and us, some good. Then when things were looking stable, Billy
Jones unfortunately took a bang to the head and after a lengthy stoppage, was replaced
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by Matthews. It’s not a worry as he too seems a better player under the current regime
and he fitted in nicely as a straight swap. Towards the end of the half, we conceded a
couple of corners but other than that, Hull didn’t threaten and although they had 3 ex-
SAFC players in Larsson, Meyler and Fraizer Campbell, none of them looked like
coming back to haunt us which is sometimes the case with ex-player syndrome.
There were no changes for the second-half, but with the visitors pressing, we resorted
to catching them on the break. In one, Robson set Oviedo away down the left with a
nice pass and when the ball reached Honeyman, their covering defender tried to let the
ball run out of play for a goal kick. They were just to the side of the goal but
Honeyman “eased him” out of the way, got a foot round the ball and gave it a little
flick towards goal. We all held our breath as the ball went into slow motion and rolled
agonisingly across the face of goal from one side to the other. Unfortunately it trickled
just past the far post and off to safety. It almost made it 2-0 but not quite. Oh for
someone to rush in and give it a wee tap into the goal. It wouldn’t have mattered if it
hit one of their defenders and gone in but it wasn’t to be. Things then got a bit shaky at
the back but everyone pitched in and we did enough to stifle them. I think it was
Cattermole who made a nice interception which not only broke up a Hull attack but
also sent Asoro clear on the left. He made his way into the area and went down
perhaps a little theatrically under a defender’s tackle. He was booked for diving but
even if it was dramatic, it still looked a penalty to me. I was hoping to see the incident
on “the Championship” later but they didn’t show it. In fact they didn’t show much of
our match at all concentrating only on the goal we scored and two saves still to come.
With a few minutes to go, Gooch arrived for the tiring Maja and there were a couple of
yellow cards for both he and Cattermole. Cattermole certainly 'took one for the team'
as the experts say. Beaten by his man and trailing in his wake, he had a good look
around to weigh up the situation and then tickled the back of his opponent’s ankle.
Down he went, peep went the whistle and Catts kept on going to take up a position for
the forthcoming free-kick. It wastes another couple of seconds as the ref then has to
attract his attention to show him the yellow card. It annoys me when other teams do it
to us but I did have to smile to myself this time as you could see exactly what he was
up to. I’ll forgive him this once. As mentioned a few lines above, Oviedo headed a
fierce shot off the line (sorry Colin, perhaps we’ll do a “last saver” sweep one day)
and Ruiter pulled off a cracking save to keep us in front. The keeper had been more in
charge this week and I was also pleased to see we had a defender on the line to stop
the other effort. It’s something we haven’t been doing recently and we’ve suffered for
it. I hadn’t been worried when we were under pressure earlier on in the half but I was
pretty pleased to hear the whistle when it finally came. It would have been such a
shame to have conceded an equaliser after being ahead for so long.
So, another win and 3 more very useful points. It might have been against a poor Hull
team who are also struggling but not that long ago, we would have got a draw or noth
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ing at all from a match like this. I think we might be on the verge of a quiet revival.
FINAL SCORE: SUNDERLAND 1 HULL CITY 0
Sunderland – Ruiter, Jones (Matthews 34), Browning*, Cattermole*, O’Shea,
Robson, Clarke-Salter, Oviedo, Honeyman, Maja (Gooch 87*) & Asoro*.
[Unused subs – Steele, McManaman, Galloway, McGeady & Love.]
* booked Scorer – Asoro (20) Attendance – 27437.
Colin Chandler
……AND A BIT EXTRA FROM THE SILVER FOX:
I joined the regulars for the trip up for this match. I have not been a regular over the
past 3 seasons or so, but miss the whole atmosphere of the day out. Admittedly the
poor football can make the journey home a bit of a pain……BUT I have not seen the
Lads lose at home so far this season, and I hoped that that would continue today.
There was nothing unusual about the trip up the A1M….until we reached the half-way
stop at Blyth Services. Now, as at ALL motorway services, you are confronted with
everything – shops selling everything you could possibly want for your journey….the
obligatory Burger King (or similar)…..the varied clientele (some weirder than
weird)…and the toilets! Yes, the toilets – usually awash with liquid of some
description, and with taps that don’t always work. Most such toilets have
contraceptive (‘johnny’) machines, and chewing gum machines on the wall. This one
had a slightly different machine…….a ‘Fuzzy Brushes’ machine! What's a Fuzzy
Brush? I could think of a few answers but didn’t expect such a thing to be on sale from
a little machine on the toilet wall…..but, then, where else would the machine be? I
thought about this for a while, shaking my head, smirking, and just generally bemused.
Then I realised……’Fuzzy Brush is a unique ‘all in one’ chewable toothbrush and
breath freshener designed by dentists. All you have to do is place the soft mini
toothbrush in your mouth and chew just like a piece of gum … the results are
amazing! While chewing the natural action of brush cleans your teeth as you
manoeuvre it around your mouth and sugar free Xylitol is released to freshen your
breath… quick, easy and very effective!’ Silly me for thinking otherwise!
Anyway, it was back on the mini-bus and off Northwards, arriving at the Harbour
View at about 1 min past midday – one minute LATE, in Ed’s opinion!
The usual ‘known faces’ showed their faces during the 2+ hours that we were in the
pub….including Hertfordshire’s own John & Mrs Mongan. Pleasantries were
exchanged. I took the opportunity to ‘advertise’ the branch by handing out half-a-
dozen copies of ‘Review’ No 300 – the 25th
Anniversary edition. I got some very
pleasant feed-back from fans who seemed amazed that we had travelled up from
Hertfordshire….and, indeed, REGULARLY travelled up from Hertfordshire!
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The Harbour View tends to stock a
good number of beers and today was
no exception – about 8 different ales
(bitter) in total. I elected to try
‘Rivet Catcher’ as it is a Great North
Eastern Brewery ale. I enjoyed each
pint of it that I drank!
Having filled our faces with the
stotties [that had been pre-ordered
on the mini-bus, and collected in Sea
Rd by Colin Chandler & Simon
Christie], it was time for the
traditional branch ‘sweeps’ to be
dealt with, and then it was time to
leave and head for the ground.
Colin Chandler has adequately
reported the match so I will just add
that it was good to continue my
‘lucky mascot’ run. Cattermole &
O’Shea had great games .
In fact the whole team played much better than of late. Three very welcome points.
Captain John O'Shea notched up his 200th league start for the club, and his 24th
appearance of the season and 240th of his Black Cats career
Meanwhile, midfielder Lee Cattermole is not far away from his 200th league start
for the club, having started for the 174th time in the league in Red and White*
yesterday. [* not strictly true…….in many of those matches he wore Sunderland’s
change colours – but I’m just being ‘picky’!]
Ethan Robson was named in The Sun ‘Team of the Day.’
[Hull had included former Sunderland players’ Fraizer Campbell, Seb Larsson &
David Meyler in their side]
Driver Simon dropped me off at my home at 9.15pm. It had been a very enjoyable day
out.
CD [Silver Fox]
A mini-break now until BIRMINGHAM (a) on Tuesday 30th
January.
25
U23, U18 & SAFC Ladies [Match Reports adapted from www.safc.com reports]
► U’23: > Stockton Town v Sunderland U23: 1-4
Sunderland did what they had to do to overcome a hardworking Stockton Town side
and booked their place in the third round of the Durham County Challenge Cup.
Chris Allan and Dan Wright struck inside the opening nine minutes to assert their
authority on the cup tie before Sonny Best and Jordan Hickey added to the scoreline
before the break. Alan Cossavella deservedly pulled a goal back for Stockton, who
fought to the final whistle. But Sunderland had done the damage in the first period and
Sunderland : Woud, Gamble, Robson, Hickey (Scothern, 45), Taylor, Storey, Allan,
Best (Leonard, 60), Diamond (Poame, 45), Wright, Greenwood.
[unused subs – Patterson] Attendance: 326
Sunderland will face Dunston UTS on Wednesday 31 January, kick-off 7.30pm, at the
UTS Stadium in the quarter-finals of the Durham County Challenge Cup.
> Sunderland U23 v Derby County U23: 2-1
Sunderland brushed aside an experienced Derby County side at Eppleton CW .
Sunderland were without several U23 regular’s due to their inclusion at the Riverside
Stadium, but there was no such dilemma for Derby County as the Rams named a
powerful side at Eppleton CW. Jason Shackell, Ikechi Anya and former Black Cat
Darren Bent were all included in the starting XI, as Elliot Embleton, who played
against Middlesbrough less than 24 hours earlier, also started. Owen Gamble and Tom
Beadling – both unused substitutes on Teesside – were also selected by Elliot
Dickman, with under-18 striker Connor Slack on the bench.
There was little to note during the opening 20 minutes as both sides saw time on the
ball ultimately wasted. Derby edged the possession stats but Sunderland were happy to
soak up any pressure mounted by the visitors and they were comfortable for much of
the opening period. Embleton and Rees Greenwood were the Black Cats’ most -
advanced players, but they didn’t see enough of the ball in the final third to threaten
the Derby goal during the opening exchanges. But that all changed on 34 minutes.
Under pressure from Wright, Rams stopper Mitchell scuffed his clearance straight to
the midfielder who gleefully gobbled up the chance and tapped the ball into the empty
net. As a result, confidence flooded through the young Black Cats and they dominated
the game from then on.
Derby crafted the first opening of the second half, as Thomas weaved his way through
the final third before seeing his effort deflect wide, and from the resulting corner the
26
U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES 8 U23, U18 & LADIES *
ball whistled across the six-yard box where a crowd of bodies were unable to connect.
Just two minutes later, they were made to pay as Wright once again pounced on a
defensive error, with another simple finish nestling into the net after a Derby defender
appeared to kick the ball out of Mitchell’s grasp.
Derby pulled one back late on as they mounted a late surge against the Black Cats'
tiring backline, but Dickman's side rode out the storm to claim a hard-fought victory.
Sunderland: Woud, Gamble, J Robson, Beadling, Taylor, Storey, Wright, Embleton,
Greenwood, Allan, Brotherton. [unused subs - Edmundsson, Talbot, Poame, Slack]
> Sunderland U23 v Chelsea U23: 0-5
Jack Diamond, Benji Kimpioka & Jake Hackett began for the Black Cats as Elliott
Dickman looked to blood the next bunch of young talent at the club. With the trio into
the final stage of their scholarships at the club, Dickman handed them starting berths
against Chelsea as the Black Cats sought a second-straight victory.
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored a hat-trick as Sunderland endured a tough afternoon on
home soil. Ike Ugbo opened the scoring after just two minutes before Hudson-Odoi
seized control of the game scoring once - with Ethan Ampadou adding another -
before the break. Hudson-Odoi then scored a second-half brace to seal Sunderlands
fate.
Sunderland : Woud, Gamble, Robson, Beadling, Taylor (Greenwood, 45), Storey,
Diamond (Connelly, 69), Embleton, Kimpioka, Hackett, Allan.
[unused subs -Brotherton, Talbot, Young]
> Brighton & Hove Albion U23 v Sunderland U23: 3-1
After being recalled from his loan spell at Sky Bet League Two club Accrington
Stanley on Thursday, Max Stryjek was named in the starting line-up for Sunderland.
Elliott Dickman also handed starts to four second-year scholars – Lee Connelly, Jack
Diamond Benji Kimpioka, and Jake Hackett – as he continued to blood the next batch
of players. Jacob Young and Williams Kokolo also featured on the bench.
Sunderland’s hopes of qualification in the Premier League Cup were dealt a blow as
Brighton produced a strong display and swiftly gained the advantage when Jiri Stalak
broke the deadlock on 17 minutes. Viktor Gyokeres then doubled Albion’s lead on the
stroke of half-time before his cross on 56 minutes was turned home by the helpless
Josh Robson. Elliot Embleton pulled one back from the penalty spot, but it proved too
little too late to mount a comeback and defeat has s een Sunderland slip to third, behind
Albion on goal difference.
Sunderland U23: Stryjek, J Robson, Hume, Gamble, Taylor, Storey, Diamond
(Young, 91), Embleton, Connelly, Kimpioka, Hackett (Kokolo, 84)
[unused subs: Woud, Allan, Brotherton]
27
U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES 8 U23, U18 & LADIES *
> Sunderland U23 v Leicester City U23: 2-0 [Premier League International Cup]
Sunderland’s U23s clinched their place in the knockout stages thanks to a 2-0 win over
Leicester City at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 23rd
January.
After a heavy defeat to Chelsea last time out, Elliott Dickman’s side dusted themselves
down and goals from Lee Connelly and Elliot Embleton were enough to see off the
Foxes. The result ensured the Black Cats top Group B, as Leicester finish as runners -
up.
Lamine Kone ended a two-month stint in the treatment room with a start at the
Stadium of Light as Dickman named an otherwise inexperienced side. Connelly led
the line flanked by Benji Kimpioka and Jack Diamond, but there were also starts for
Max Stryjek, who returned from a loan at Accrington Stanley last week, and Elliot
Embleton as Chris Coleman and his coaching team watched on at the SoL.
The opening half-hour was a scrappy affair as both sides failed to enjoy any periods of
sustained dominance. Marshalled by Kone, the Black Cats were relatively untroubled
as Embleton and Diamond saw efforts from range come and go at the opposite end.
The game needed a goal and with 36 minutes played Dickman’s side op ened the
scoring, as Connelly latched onto a long ball over the Leicester defence before curling
a fine finish into the corner. And the club’s youngsters continued in their ascendancy
as confidence filled their veins and they went in search of a second.
On 43 minutes, it arrived. The Foxes backed off and Embleton pounced, with the
midfielder bending a sumptuous 20-yard strike beyond Daniel Iversen to ensure a
commanding advantage at the interval.
Leicester responded following the restart and Sunderland were forced to weather the
brewing storm, but they refused to be breached and when called upon Stryjek stepped
up. After Kone came off with 60 minutes in the tank, Steve Beaglehole’s almost
snatched a route back into the game but Trialist’s thumping effort cannoned off the
post.
Layton Ndukwu forced the next scare as the Foxes continued to push forward but the
striker was unable to connect with an inviting cross to the back post, with Brandon
Taylor standing up to Josh Eppiah in close quarters before producing an excellent
block soon after. Eppiah then lost his man but was unable to steer his effort on target
after a cracking cross from Hamza Choudhury. And that proved to be that despite both
sides trading blows in the latter stages, as the Black Cats clinched a fine win.
Sunderland: Stryjek, J Robson, Hume, Gamble, Taylor, Kone (Storey 60), Diamond,
Embleton, Connelly, Kimpioka (Kokolo 86), Hackett (Allan 67)
[unused subs: Woud, Young, Greenwood, Brotherton.]
FORTHCOMING LEAGUE FIXTURES
U23: Feb 5 West Ham (a) 7.00 Dagenham & Redbridge FC *
* May be a car going from Stevenage.
28
U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES 8 U23, U18 & LADIES *
U23s Premier League Cup fixtures….. Sunday 11 February – Exeter City (A), 2pm
Friday 23 February – Hull City (H), 7pm
► U’18: > Watford U18 v Sunderland U18: 1-0 FA Youth Cup
Jack Diamond dropped down from the U23 ranks to start for Mark Atkinson’s side in
Hertfordshire. Scottish striker Lee Connelly led the line while Swedish youngster
Benji Kimpioka and Williams Kokolo went into the match on the back of a sickness
bug which had hampered the Black Cats’ preparations. Bali Mumba, still an under-16,
also started for the youth team.
Lewis Gordon scored the game’s only goal after the Black Cats were reduced to 10
men when Rayed Derbali was dismissed with just 26 minutes on the clock.
Jake Hackett struck the post before Lee Connelly saw his close-range effort chalked
off for offside as Sunderland looked to mount a comeback. But Watford held off the
Black Cats’ late onslaught to advance to round four.
Sunderland: Patterson, Howard, Young, Derbali, Kokolo, Hickey, Mumba, Hackett
(Scothern), Diamond, Connelly, Kimpioka (Dunne)
[unused subs - Devine, Leonard, Newman]
> Sunderland U18 v Manchester United U18: 1-2
Benji Kimpioka, Jack Diamond and Jake Hackett were not included in the starting
line-up as it’s expected they will be involved in Sunday’s U23’s match at Eppleton
Colliery Welfare.
Manchester United kept up their title hopes as they dispatched 10-man Sunderland at
the Academy of Light. A goal in each half from Tahith Chong was enough for the
visitors to seal the points on Wearside, despite Robbie Dunne initially levelling the
U18 Premier League fixture.
After an even opening where Sunderland enjoyed large spells of the ball, the visitors
made the breakthrough on 32 minutes when Chong converted a penalty. Ethan Laid
was felled after a powerful run into the box and Chong confidently slotted the ball past
Anthony Patterson. United’s lead only lasted seven minutes, though. Having looked
assured defensively throughout the opening period, Jordan Hickey broke free through
the defensive lines before unselfishly squaring the ball to Dunne for him to slot home.
United didn’t seem too fazed by Sunderland’s leveller and picked up where they left
off in the 2nd
-half, with the Black Cats once again forced to defend deep and in num-
bers. And eventually the lads’ frustration to dealing with long spells of pressure told
when Scothern tripped Largie Ramazani before being shown a red card by the referee.
With the man advantage Manchester United lay siege to Sunderland’s goal, sensing a
winner was near. And so it proved with 11 minutes left to play. Ramazani opened up
29
U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES * U23, U18 & LADIES 8 U23, U18 & LADIES *
Sunderland’s defence with a slipped pass through to Chong, who did the rest to fire
home his second of the afternoon and secure the points for United.
Sunderland U18: Patterson, Young, Mumba, Edmundsson, Kokolo, Hickey, Howard,
Leonard (Greenwood, 64), Connelly (Evans, 74), Scothern, Dunne (Slack, 71).
[unused subs - Newman, Devine.]
> Derby County U18 v Sunderland U18: 0-1
Sunderland produced an organised display to secure three vital points in the U18
Premier League.
With Sunderland U23’s playing in Brighton on Friday night, Mark Atkinson was
without Benji Kimpioka, Jake Hackett, Jack Diamond Lee Connelly, Jacob Young and
Williams Kokolo. However, that was to be expected as Atkinson admitted in midweek
a crop of his second-year scholars will be featuring more heavily in the development
squad during the second half of the season.
Having not secured a victory since November, Mark Atkinson’s side headed to the
East Midlands looking spark a run of form after the disappointment of exiting the FA
Youth Cup prematurely. Both sides showed glimpses in the opening 20 minutes, a
period in the game that was largely cagey but highly competitive as Derby looked to
improve on their third-place position.
Jordan Hickey struck five minutes from time to deal Derby County the knockout blow
and secure three vital points which moved them onto 16 for the season.
Sunderland U18: Patterson, Devine, Mumba, Edmundsson, Hickey, Evans (Leonard,
54), Scothern (Lilley, 77), Connolly, Derbali, Greenwood, Dunne (Slack, 62)
Subs: Newman
> Sunderland U18s will face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup
at the Academy of Light on Saturday 27 January - 11am kick-off.
► LADIES: > SAFC Ladies v Birmingham City: 3-0
SAFC Ladies moved up to fifth in the FA Women’s Super League thanks to a superb
win. Dominique Bruinenberg, Hayley Sharp and Abbey Joice were on target at
Mariners Park, as Mel Reay’s side moved to within one point of fourth -placed
Arsenal.
30
….and a few ‘Bits’ to close By Lars Minit
(1) SPOT THE THREE SAFC LINKS………….
A LITTLE CLUE?........THIS IS THE BOLTON SQUAD FROM 1977/78
ANOTHER CLUE?......CHEER UP AND PLAY IT AGAIN WITH A KIDS TOY.
ANSWERS ON PAGE 34
________________________________________________________
(2) “WHAT’S YOURS, BALLY?”…….. MONTY & ‘OOH
BALLY, BALLY’
TRYING OUT
THE NEW ‘APP’
TO ORDER A
HALF-TIME
PINT. [Download
the SwipeStation
app (from the
Apple App Store
or the Google Play
Store) and enter
your card details.
You’ll then be able to order drinks from the terraces AND also beat the queues by
collecting them from special FAST LANES on the East and West concourses. Scan the
QR code on your phone at a SwipeStation to process the payment, then take your
printout to the SwipeStations located on the East and West concourses.
31
NOW CHRIS CAN SEE THE FULL
HORROR STORY By Chris Dunlavy, The Football League Paper – Sunday 14
th January 2018
Beaming beneath a spatter of sponsors on his first day as manager of Sunderland,
Chris Coleman listened patiently as the press pack questioned his sanity.
“It’s a daunting task, I admit.” insisted the Welshman, “but I’ve come into this job
with my eyes wide open.”
Maybe he did. Yet, two months on, you have to wonder whether those eyes were
covered by rose-tinted spectacles.
The simmering, furious figure who stalked into the Riverside media centre last
weekend was a far cry from buoyant optimism of mid-November. Gone too, was any
hint of diplomacy.
Beaten 2-0 with a bare-bones line-up, Coleman laid into the workshy cabal of
perpetually injured players who are as likely to be spotted in a Sunderland shirt as
Alan Shearer.
“Could one or two be doing a bit more with us?”, considered the 47-year-old, airing an
issue that has been open secret on Wearside all season. “Yes they could.”
Later he criticised the now-departed Lewis Grabban and complained of going “into a
dogfight with kittens.”
Though Coleman didn’t name individuals, every Sunderland fan knew the malingerers
he was talking about.
Ostensibly, it is a welcome dose of honesty at a club bled pitifully dry by mercenaries
and charlatans. Why should anyone cover for such people, least of all the manager
they’re letting down?
Yet his outburst is fraught with risk. Based on the scale of Sunderland’s debts and the
silence emanating from the boardroom, Coleman will have about 95p to play with in
the transfer window.
He has been told to sell before he can buy, but nobody of sound mind would dream of
paying a fee for players who a) don’t try, b) earn a fortune, and c) Sunderland don’t
want. Plausibly, his words could be a last-ditch attempt to wring a bit of professional
pride from the shirkers, but that seems unlikely.
Anger and contempt – from a man who had his own career cut short by a car crash –
are more likely causes. Assuming the ‘kittens’ will now be permanently ostracised,
wilfully or otherwise, Coleman will be left to fight relegation with the same Dad’s
Army of youngsters, loanees & veterans that have so far proved unfit for purpose.
The depressing conclusion is that Coleman felt he had nothing to lose by letting his
heart rule his head, that the absent players were so useless and unwilling they wouldn’t
have played for the first team anyway.
32
More worryingly for supporters, it suggests the problems at Sunderland are far worse
than Coleman imagined when he bounced into town.
He talked of realism and not having much cash to play with. He even consulted Simon
Grayson, his short-lived predecessor.
But did he really understand just how bad the recruitment had been over the years?
Just how much ‘dead wood’ would be heaved on to the former centre-half’s
shoulders?
For a man who enjoyed an exceptional bond with his Wales players, the pockets of
poison in the Sunderland dressing room must have been an appalling shock.
On current form, Sunderland are heading for League One. Judging by the eruption
from Coleman, so soon after his ebullient arrival, he is worried.
Anger has not yet become disillusionment. But, if he doesn’t get fresh blood by the
end of this month (January) and the Mackems continue to toil, don’t be surprised if
Coleman walks before the season’s end.
33
Upcoming ‘home’ games are Ipswich Town (3rd
Feb), Brentford (17th
Feb) &
Middlesbrough (24th
Feb). There will not be a mini-bus for Ipswich or Brentford
matches, but an 8-seater has been booked for Middlesbrough.
Upcoming ‘away’ games are Bristol City (10th
Feb) & Bolton (20th
Feb) – a midweek
game. Following that the next two ‘away’ games are at Millwall (3rd
March) & QPR
(10th
March) – both convenient for travel by rail/underground. Think ahead and get in
touch as soon as possible if you are interested in attending any of those matches so
that any ticket / travel requirements can be met.
As always, get your ticket & transport requests in early to guarantee your seat.
Let’s push on. Ed Rayner Mobile 07789035483 : Home 01462 813963 E-mail [email protected]
________________________________________________________
TICKET INFORMATION:
Ipswich Town (H) Sat 3rd
February KO 3.00pm NOW ON SALE Adults from £25 : O65s £19 : U22s £16 : U16s £10
Bristol City (a) Sat 10th
February KO 12.30pm
Allocation – 3,400. General sale to commence from 9am Monday 29th January
Adult @ £32, O65 & U25 @ £29, U22 @ £26, U19 @ £15, U12 @ £10 ***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN ALL TICKET GAME AND THERE WILL BE NO SALES ON THE DAY***
BOLTON (A) Tuesday 20th
February KO pm
MILLWALL (A) Saturday 3rd
March KO 3.00pm
Q.P.R. (A) Saturday 10th
March KO 3.00pm
NO TICKET DETAILS AVAILABLE TO DATE [24TH
DECEMBER]
DON’T FORGET:
U23 v WEST HAM (at Dagenham & Redbridge) – Sun 5th
February KO 7.00pm
CD {The Silver Fox]
________________________________________________ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 31: [Cheer up] PETER REID (No 17),
[Play it again] SAM ALLARDYCE (No 10) & [A kids toy] RAY TRAIN (No 14)
34
FIXTURES 2017/18
CHAMPIONSHIP
Aug 04 DERBY CO * (H) 1-1 13 Norwich City (a) 3-1
16 Sheffield Wed (a) 1-1
19 LEEDS UTD * (H) 0-2
26 Barnsley (a) 0-3
Sep 09 SHEFFIELD UTD (H) 1-2
12 NOTT’M FOREST (H) 0-1
16 Hull City (a) 1-1
23 CARDIFF CITY (H) 1-2
26 Ipswich Town (a) 2-5
30 Preston N E (a) 2-2
Oct 14 QUEENS P. R. (H) 1-1
21 Brentford (a) 3-3 28 BRISTOL CITY (H) 1-2
31 BOLTON W (H) 3-3
Nov 04 Middlesbrough * (a) 0-1
18 MILLWALL (H) 2-2 21 Aston Villa (a) 1-2
25 Burton Albion (a) 2-0
Dec 02 READING (H) 1-3
09 Wolverhampton (a) 0-0
16 FULHAM (H) 1-0 23 BIRMINGHAM (H) 1-1
26 Sheffield Utd (a) 0-3
30 Nott’m Forest (a) 1-0
Jan 01 BARNSLEY (H) 0-1
13 Cardiff City * (a) 0-4 20 HULL CITY (H) 1-0
27 Birmingham City (a)
Feb 03 IPSWICH TOWN (H)
10 Bristol City (a)
17 BRENTFORD (H) 20 Bolton W (a) 7:45
24 MIDDLESBRO (H)
Mar 03 Millwall (a)
06 ASTON VILLA (H) 7:45
10 Queens P. R. (a) 17 PRESTON N E (H)
31 Derby County (a) 7:45
Apr 02 SHEFFIELD WED (H)
07 Leeds Utd (a)
10 NORWICH CITY (H) 7:45 14 Reading (a)
21 BURTON ALB (H)
28 Fulham (a)
May 06 WOLVES (H) tbc
* Sky sports + itv #bt sport
FIXTURES 2017/18
FRIENDLIES Jul 07 Bury (a) 3-2
09 Hibernian (a) 2-2
12 Livingston (a) 3-0 15 St Johnstone (a) 0-3
22 Bradford City (a) 2-1
26 Scunthorpe (a) 0-0
29 Celtic $ (H) 0-5
$ Dafabet Cup
CARABAO CUP Aug 10 Bury * (a) 1-0
22 Carlisle Utd (a) 2-1
Sep 20 Everton (a) 0-3
F.A.CUP Jan 6 Middlesbrough (a) 0-2
LATEST NEWS
REMEMBER…………
KEEP THE FAITH
KEEP THE FAITH
KEEP THE FAITH