Im Elmo and i know it! - A career across Europe

[acidmonkey]

October Update

Sunderland 1 - 0 Sheffield United (npower Championship)

Sunderland won a hard fought battle against Sheffield United on a fine autumn afternoon at The Stadium of Light.

Sunderland's winner came through Osvaldo Bonaiuti as he seized on Zac Robinson's mistake to score a penalty.

Both teams had a number of attempts at goal, which promised much, but the quality of finishing was poor throughout.

Sunderland have so far confounded their critics as the pre-season relegation candidates currently lie 16th in the npower Championship table.

Man of the Match: Rick Dillon (Sunderland)
Attendance: 26,476

Sunderland 2 - 1 Watford (npower Championship)

Sunderland won a hard fought battle against Watford on a fine autumn afternoon at The Stadium of Light. A brace from David McDonald helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker David McDonald gave Sunderland the lead with a curled effort from eighteen yards in the 38th minute. Experienced midfielder Carl Holzman then equalised for Watford in the 43rd minute with a firm diving header from inside the six-yard box.

McDonald scored what proved to be the winner in the 65th minute with a fierce shot. Watford also saw their 85th minute strike questionably chalked off.

Sunderland have so far confounded their critics as the pre-season relegation candidates currently lie 14th in the npower Championship table.

Man of the Match: Thomas Nekos (Sunderland)
Attendance: 22,423

Rotherham United 1 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland recorded a somewhat fortuitous win over Rotherham United on a fine autumn evening at Rotherham Community Stadium.

Enthusiastic striker Liam Wilson gave Rotherham United the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 27th minute. Striker David McDonald then equalised for Sunderland in the 46th minute with a close range effort.

Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by winger Osvaldo Bonaiuti for a penalty. Midfielder Dan Massey then clinched a late winner on 81 minutes with a shot from eighteen yards out.

Massey's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship so far this season and find themselves in 10th place.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 7,681

Sunderland 4 - 2 Stevenage (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 4 - 2 winners over Stevenage at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Tony Agus helped Sunderland to victory.

Experienced striker Gareth Partington showed a sign of things to come though as he nearly gifted Sunderland a goal on 2 minutes. Full-back Jon Smart suffered the ignominy of scoring a calamitous own goal in the 2nd minute on the clock. Partington equalised for Stevenage in the 15th minute with an incisive finish.

Striker Tony Agus put Sunderland in front in the 19th minute with an attempt which went in off the frame of the goal. Agus had no trouble in scoring from the spot when Asamoah conceded a penalty. Partington managed to pull one back for Stevenage after 50 minutes with a good header from just inside the six-yard box but it was to be nothing more than a consolation.

Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by Agus for a penalty. Stevenage were nearly gifted a goal on 73 minutes through David McDonald's lapse in concentration but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them.

McDonald completed the scoring for Sunderland with an accurate finish on 92 minutes.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 8th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Gareth Partington (Stevenage)
Attendance: 25,477

Sheffield Wednesday 0 - 6 Sunderland (npower Championship)

The final score of 6 - 0 was fully deserved as Sunderland totally controlled their npower Championship game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Sunderland's David McDonald.

Striker David McDonald got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a fierce shot after just one minute. An error from Sheffield Wednesday's Alex Birchall allowed defensive midfielder Alain Mahamat to score a real poacher's effort. McDonald added his 2nd goal of the game with a shot from the edge of the area on 55 minutes.

Sheff Wed captain Alan Reid compounded the misery for Sheffield Wednesday on 61 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal. McDonald added his 3rd goal of the game with a fine header from point-blank range on 72 minutes.

Full-back Boy Villareal completed the rout with a fine header from point-blank range on 82 minutes.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 6th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 14,854

League after 14 games

5^th QPR 26 Points
6^th Sunderland 25 Points
7^th Fulham 24 Points
8^th Leicester 23 Points

Inconsistency at its best! I seem to have a month where I’ll lose all my games a perform like my players have never met each other, then ill have a month like this where I destroy all comers. The win over my old club Sheff Wed was particularly pleasing if I’m honest, Next month will be huge for two reasons as I think the league is settling down, and it will define where ill be, and also because the big Tyne-Wear derby is next month as we travel to the discount tracksuit thunderdome for my first derby.

[AcidBurn]

How far off second?

[DazRTaylor]

Booo! Hisss! Mackems...

;-)

[acidmonkey]

How far off second?

played one game more and im 4 points behind second i think if i go up again im going to struggle massivly!

Booo! Hisss! Mackems...

;-)

lol its the big one next got the Mags next....

[AcidBurn]

Booo! Hisss! Mackems...

;-)

Probably not the best idea to mock Mackems when the mod is one and can quite easily change the title of your thread to "I'm Daz and I love Sunderland AFC, Kevin Phillips is my god"

Pretty sure I should put one of those winking face things here but I never use them.

[Fabio MVP]

Mackems who?!

[DazRTaylor]

Probably not the best idea to mock Mackems when the mod is one and can quite easily change the title of your thread to "I'm Daz and I love Sunderland AFC, Kevin Phillips is my god"

Pretty sure I should put one of those winking face things here but I never use them.

Haha

You are just a Geordie wannabe... ;-)

[SRL88]

Having a solid campaign so far. Do you think it would be a season to early for you if you did go up?

[acidmonkey]

Having a solid campaign so far. Do you think it would be a season to early for you if you did go up?

Personally id say it would be about 3 seasons too early if i went up

[AcidBurn]

I'm almost certain if you went up you would not be relegated.

This forum has too many Newcastle fans.

[deltablue]

You'll should be able to strenghten considerably whenever you go up.

[acidmonkey]

November Update

Sunderland 2 - 1 Leeds United (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 2 - 1 victory over Leeds United on a fine autumn evening in their npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light.

Full-back Thomas Nekos gave Sunderland the lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box in the 38th minute. Striker Tony Agus doubled Sunderland's lead with a fierce shot on 59 minutes.

Striker Anton Ward's 80th minute strike proved the only consolation for Leeds United.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Rick Dillon (Sunderland)
Attendance: 34,215

Newcastle United 4 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

In a surprisingly one-sided encounter at St. James' Park, Newcastle United defeated Sunderland 4 - 0. A brace from Jakub Dvorak helped Newcastle to victory.

Experienced midfielder Alexandre Lecomte gave Newcastle United the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 11th minute. An error from Sunderland's Dan Massey allowed midfielder Kieran Bellamy to score a deftly executed finish. Dvorak scored with a fierce shot in the 47th minute to extend the lead further.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 63 minutes as that man Dvorak popped up again with an effort from the edge of the area which curled past the goalkeeper. Sunderland were nearly gifted a goal on 77 minutes through Neil Clarke's lapse in concentration but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 8th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Jakub Dvorak (Newcastle)
Attendance: 30,546

Birmingham City 3 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were on the end of a deserved defeat at St. Andrews as they were completely outplayed by their opponents.

Things did not get off to a good start for Sunderland as winger Lea Childs seized on an error by Rick Dillon to score a well timed close range finish. Striker Shpëtim Bushati doubled Birmingham City's lead with a real poacher's effort on 9 minutes.

Striker Donovan Hume completed the rout with a close range header on 91 minutes.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 11th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Jim Came (Birmingham)
Attendance: 21,625

Sunderland 0 - 2 Leicester City (npower Championship)

Sunderland will be wondering what might have been this morning after a close encounter with Leicester turned into a 2 - 0 victory for their opponents.

Things did not get off to a good start for Sunderland as Burkina Faso captain Moussa Sanou seized on an error by Rick Dillon to score a placed shot. Striker Ryan Russell finally rounded off their victory on 64 minutes with an accurate finish from inside the penalty area.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 12th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Moussa Sanou (Leicester)
Attendance: 25,589

Sunderland 2 - 0 Derby County (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 2 - 0 winners over Derby County at The Stadium of Light.

Striker David McDonald gave Sunderland the lead with a placed shot in the 37th minute. Striker Tony Agus finally rounded off their victory on 46 minutes with a simple finish from close in.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 12th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 22,911

League after 19 games

10^th Brighton 31 Points
11^th Middlesborough 31 Points
12^th Sunderland 31 Points
13^th Watford 29 Points
14^th Blackpool 25 Points


Well the month started well but the defeat to Newcastle hurt me big time, they are expected to finish mid-table after spending 6 years in the championship the worst part is we had chances to score but failed to take them but Newcastle took theirs and it ended up a score that flattered them I need to beat them at home I can let them do the double over us! The defeat to the mag hurt us though as we went on a three game run where we couldn’t even score it hurt morale but the Derby game helped fix some of that but we are back in mid-table again heading into December.

[acidmonkey]

December Update

Queens Park Rangers 3 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were on the end of a deserved defeat at Loftus Road as they were completely outplayed by their opponents. A brace from Nicky Duff helped Q.P.R. to victory.

Striker Nicky Duff gave Queens Park Rangers the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 17th minute. It was a superb solo effort and Duff looked delighted. Duff added his 2nd goal of the game with a well executed finish on 53 minutes.

Phillips scored with a fierce shot in the 62nd minute to extend the lead further. It was a superb solo effort and Phillips looked delighted. Striker David McDonald pulled one back for Sunderland after 82 minutes with a close range finish which was timed impeccably.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 12th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Nicky Duff (Q.P.R.)
Attendance: 13,146

Sunderland 0 - 1 Fulham (npower Championship)

A fine afternoon at The Stadium of Light saw Fulham come out on top against a surprisingly lacklustre Sunderland side.

Things turned sour for Sunderland when defensive midfielder Alain Mahamat earned himself an early bath for a vicious foul on 37 minutes. Then followed controversy as Fulham were denied claims by Fulham captain Eddie Dodd for a penalty.

Fulham's winner came through Magno as he seized on Danny Wilkin's mistake to score a placed shot. Magno's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

With Sunderland staring at defeat, there was controversy as midfielder Raphaël Renault then had a penalty shout turned down.

Both teams had a number of attempts at goal, which promised much, but the quality of finishing was poor throughout.

Sunderland have so far confounded their critics as the pre-season relegation candidates currently lie 13th in the npower Championship table.

Man of the Match: Magno (Fulham)
Attendance: 23,851

Huddersfield Town 3 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

A fine afternoon at The Galpharm Stadium saw Huddersfield Town come out on top against a surprisingly lacklustre Sunderland side.

Striker James Owusu gave Huddersfield Town the lead with an accurate finish in the 18th minute. Young goalkeeper Matty Porter ensured things went from bad to worse for Sunderland on 22 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal.

Full-back Duncan Sharp was left red-faced in the 25th minute as he managed to put the ball into his own net. Gibbs scored with a header in the 29th minute to extend the lead further.

Striker Joe McCready pulled one back for Sunderland after 42 minutes with an accurate finish.

Sunderland's three straight defeats have seen the relegation candidates drop to 13th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Silva (Huddersfield)
Attendance: 5,964

Sunderland 1 - 2 Colchester United (npower Championship)

Colchester United battled their way to a 2 - 1 victory in this evenly-matched contest between two hard-working teams.

Sunderland were nearly handed the lead in the 26th minute through Jamie Archibald's lapse in concentration but failed to capitalise. Rowley scored from the penalty spot after Mellor gave away a penalty. Striker Craig Kamara doubled Colchester United's lead with a tidy finish on 35 minutes.

Striker David McDonald's 74th minute strike proved the only consolation for Sunderland.

Sunderland's four straight defeats have seen the relegation candidates drop to 14th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Osvaldo Bonaiuti (Sunderland)
Attendance: 23,671

Oxford United 5 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

In a result few would have bet on, Sunderland were played off the park by a rampant Oxford United.

Holsgrove was able to keep his composure to score from the spot after Hanley gave away a penalty. Young striker Ilija Milovanovic doubled Oxford United's lead with a tidy finish on 44 minutes.

Gilbey scored with a shot from the edge of the area in the 78th minute to extend the lead further. Things went from bad to worse for Sunderland as full-back Thomas Nekos earned himself an early bath for a vicious foul on 81 minutes.

An error from Sunderland's Matty Porter allowed striker Scott Russo to score a tame effort from close to goal. Bosnia & Herz. Under 21s captain Miroslav Vuk completed the rout with a close range header on 90 minutes.

Sunderland's five straight defeats have seen the relegation candidates drop to 16th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Danny Lewis (Oxford)
Attendance: 9,151

Table after 24 games

15^th Blackpool 32 points
16^th Sunderland 32 Points
17^th Rotherham 26 Points
18^th Stevenage 26 Points

Ok now im in real trouble here! 2 wins in 10 has seen us slump massively, we are plummeting towards the bottom of the table I need to do something to change to get us back up and running in the league we had issues with red cards, and a run of games against the top 4 which is harsh for me but we need to get going again

[Nobby_McDonald]

Trouble indeed. Time to lookout below.

[AcidBurn]

A couple of poor months, don't go getting relegated lol.

[acidmonkey]

A couple of poor months, don't go getting relegated lol.

ill try not too,

been looking at the premier league winners in my save:

in 21 seasons:

Man City - 13
Arsenal - 3
Blackburn - 3
Tottenham - 1
Man Utd - 1

[acidmonkey]

January Update

Sunderland 1 - 0 Brighton and Hove Albion (npower Championship)

Sunderland recorded a somewhat fortuitous win over Brighton and Hove Albion on a fine afternoon at The Stadium of Light.

The first noteworthy incident of the match proved to be controversial, with Brighton and Hove Albion seeing a goal disallowed. Midfielder Danny Wilkin gave Sunderland the lead with a screamer from well outside the area in the 73rd minute.

Sunderland were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.

Sunderland have so far confounded their critics as the pre-season relegation candidates currently lie 14th in the npower Championship table.

Man of the Match: Danny Wilkin (Sunderland)
Attendance: 21,572

Sunderland 1 - 1 Barnsley (npower Championship)

After a 1 - 1 draw at The Stadium of Light against Sunderland, a key member of the Barnsley side claimed that his team were fortunate to escape from this npower Championship fixture with a draw.

Striker David McDonald gave Sunderland the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 27th minute. It was a superb solo effort and McDonald looked delighted. Osvaldo Bonaiuti's game ended early as he was sent off for a vicious foul on 41 minutes.

Christian Prout was sent off in the 73rd minute, heading for an early bath after a vicious foul. With Sunderland already beginning to celebrate, midfielder Peter Graham then scored a real poacher's effort in injury-time to snatch the equaliser for Barnsley.

Better late than never for Barnsley and the fans were clearly delighted with Graham's impact.

Sunderland have so far confounded their critics as the pre-season relegation candidates currently lie 14th in the npower Championship table.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 22,077

Sunderland 1 - 0 Newport County (FA Cup 3rd Rnd)

Sunderland showed their superiority in a 1 - 0 victory over Newport County during their English FA Cup Third Round game at The Stadium of Light, but they could and should have scored more.

Young striker Kieron Marsden gave Sunderland the lead with a close range finish which was timed impeccably in the 31st minute. Midfielder Dan Massey's red card for a vicious foul on 77 minutes put Sunderland's position under question.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 14,127

Bradford City 0 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

A sturdy defence and a battling midfield display were the foundations upon which Sunderland built their 3 - 0 victory over Bradford City this afternoon. A brace from Raphaël Renault helped Sunderland to victory.

Young striker Kieron Marsden got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a placed shot after just one minute. Midfielder Raphaël Renault doubled Sunderland's lead with a well executed finish on 23 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for Bradford City as midfielder Dean McBride earned himself an early bath for a vicious foul on 53 minutes. There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 77 minutes as that man Renault popped up again with a real poacher's effort.

Sunderland are currently enjoying a three match unbeaten run which has seen the relegation candidates occupy 13th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Raphaël Renault (Sunderland)
Attendance: 13,262

Blackpool 2 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Despite battling hard Sunderland were unable to prevent a superior Blackpool side coming away from Bloomfield Road with a 2 - 1 victory.

Blackpool captain Dennis Duodu gave Blackpool the lead with a close range header in the 32nd minute. An error from Sunderland's Boy Villareal allowed striker Adam Lake to score a simple finish from close in. Midfielder Raphaël Renault's 85th minute strike proved the only consolation for Sunderland.

Sunderland have so far confounded their critics as the pre-season relegation candidates currently lie 14th in the npower Championship table.

Man of the Match: Adam Lake (Blackpool)
Attendance: 7,938

Sunderland 0 - 3 Swansea City (FA Cup 4th Rnd)

In an even game at The Stadium of Light, Swansea City came away with victory in their English FA Cup Fourth Round match.

The first incident of note was on 21 minutes as Sunderland were denied claims by Jonny Mellor for a penalty. An error from Sunderland's Daniel Hanley allowed striker Vyacheslav Laizans to score a tidy finish. Experienced striker Ryan Mackay doubled Swansea City's lead with a finish executed with aplomb on 45 minutes.

Midfielder Ibrahim Boakye completed the rout with a well timed close range finish on 63 minutes. Full-back Thomas Nekos then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Swansea City another goal on 81 minutes.

Man of the Match: Ibrahim Boakye (Swansea)
Attendance: 37,261

Table after 28 games

11^th Newcastle 43 Points
12^th Watford 39 Points
13^th Sunderland 38 Points
14^th Colchester 38 Points
15^th Blackpool 37 Points

Well a solid enough month for us as we have clawed our way back into mid-table we should have been unbeaten in the league this month however we just couldn’t take our chances against Blackpool we even held our own against Premiership Swansea in the FA Cup only to have 2 goals ruled out for offside and us to get hit on the break to go down 3-0 next month is a difficult one for us as we take on all the sides in the play-off and the league leaders

[acidmonkey]

February Update

Sunderland 3 - 0 Walsall (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 3 - 0 winners over Walsall at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Tony Agus helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a placed shot from close range in the 20th minute. Midfielder Dan Massey doubled Sunderland's lead with a well executed finish on 30 minutes.

With Walsall staring at defeat, there was controversy as midfielder Rob Boyd then had a penalty shout turned down. There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 40 minutes as that man Agus popped up again with a tidy finish.

Sunderland have so far confounded their critics as the pre-season relegation candidates currently lie 13th in the npower Championship table.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 21,010

Nottingham Forest 0 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Nottingham Forest in a close-fought npower Championship match played at The City Ground.

Both teams had a number of attempts at goal, which promised much, but the quality of finishing was poor throughout.

Sunderland have so far confounded their critics as the pre-season relegation candidates currently lie 13th in the npower Championship table.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 16,336

Sunderland 0 - 0 Burnley (npower Championship)

Sunderland fans will have been frustrated by their side's 0 - 0 draw with Burnley at The Stadium of Light.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Sunderland are currently enjoying a three match unbeaten run which has seen the relegation candidates occupy 13th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Julien Barbier (Burnley)
Attendance: 24,120

Watford 5 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

In a result few would have bet on, Sunderland were played off the park by a rampant Watford. A brace from Elliott Harding helped Watford to victory.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Sunderland were denied claims by Daniel Hanley for a penalty. Watford captain Tapiwa Dube got Watford off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 4 minutes.

Striker Elliott Harding doubled Watford's lead with a fine header from point-blank range on 38 minutes. Holzman scored with a powerful effort in the 47th minute to extend the lead further.

Harding added his 2nd goal of the game with an accurate finish on 50 minutes. Williams then increased Watford's advantage further with a lucky strike on 78 minutes.

Striker Joe McCready pulled one back for Sunderland after 81 minutes with a deftly executed finish.

Sunderland have been playing far beyond expectations all season and find themselves in 14th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Elliott Harding (Watford)
Attendance: 7,813

Sunderland 0 - 3 Middlesbrough (npower Championship)

Middlesbrough enjoyed a comfortable 3 - 0 victory over Sunderland. The win was deserved for Middlesbrough who turned their superiority into goals in the npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Ilija Milovanovic helped Middlesbrough to victory.

Young striker Ilija Milovanovic gave Middlesbrough the lead with a deftly executed finish from eighteen yards in the 30th minute. Centre-back Carl Richardson doubled Middlesbrough's lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box on 47 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 67 minutes as that man Milovanovic popped up again with a tidy finish.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship all season and find themselves in 14th place.

Man of the Match: Carl Richardson (Middlesbrough)
Attendance: 35,702

Table after 34 gams

12^th Birmingham 48 Points
13^th Colchester 45 Points
14^th Sunderland 43 Points
15^th Oxford 42 Points
16^th Huddersfield 42 Points

(10 points clear of drop zone)

A okish month for us we still hang on in midtable down to our home form and our home form alone. As the away form is killing me we have the third worst away form in the league and the 6^th best home form, I just need us to carry some of that form on the road to see us right, im thinking of a bit of a clear out come the summer I think ive got too many dead woodon the books who aren’t up to this level the boro game was a joke we never even looked like scoring never mind getting any points and im beginning to slide dangerously to the drop zone again.

[AcidBurn]

Dude 0-3 against Boro, sort yourself out!

[acidmonkey]

Dude 0-3 against Boro, sort yourself out!

. .



I know you don't need to tell me that biro did the double over me and the way im playing Newcastle will too the spine of my team is weak was built for league one football, first replacement is a new keeper as porter isn't improving enough be has potential according to my staff

And remember I signed no one this season....

[markyosullivan]

Decent season, playoffs next year

[AcidBurn]

. .



I know you don't need to tell me that biro did the double over me and the way im playing Newcastle will too the spine of my team is weak was built for league one football, first replacement is a new keeper as porter isn't improving enough be has potential according to my staff

And remember I signed no one this season....

I suppose the best thing is to just avoid relegation then build a bit next season then go for promotion.

[acidmonkey]

March Update

Sunderland 2 - 1 Rotherham United (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 2 - 1 victory over Rotherham United on a fine spring afternoon in their npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light.

Midfielder Luis Almeida got Rotherham United off to a flyer by scoring a well struck effort from the edge of the box on 7 minutes. Winger Osvaldo Bonaiuti then equalised for Sunderland in the 48th minute with a placed shot.

Full-back Boy Villareal's red card for a vicious foul on 53 minutes put Sunderland's position under question. Then followed controversy as Rotherham United were denied claims by Almeida for a penalty.

Sunderland's winner came through David McDonald as he seized on Colin Hasell's mistake to score a real poacher's effort. McDonald's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship all season and find themselves in 14th place.

Man of the Match: Osvaldo Bonaiuti (Sunderland)
Attendance: 26,364

Stevenage 1 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland won a hard fought battle against Stevenage on a fine spring evening at Broadhall Way.

Midfielder Leo Odelusi got Stevenage off to a flyer by scoring a well timed close range finish on 4 minutes. Winger Osvaldo Bonaiuti then equalised for Sunderland in the 15th minute with a close range diving header.

Centre-back Jonny Mellor scored what proved to be the winner on 41 minutes with a close range header. Centre-back Brandon Garrard then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Sunderland another goal on 90 minutes.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship all season and find themselves in 13th place.

Man of the Match: Dan Massey (Sunderland)
Attendance: 6,561

Sunderland 2 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 2 - 1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on a fine spring afternoon in their npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light. A brace from David McDonald helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker David McDonald got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a powerful effort on 5 minutes. McDonald added his 2nd goal of the game with a lucky strike on 39 minutes.

With Sheffield Wednesday staring at defeat, there was controversy as Sheff Wed captain Alan Reid then had a penalty shout turned down. Striker Graham Mellor's 65th minute strike proved the only consolation for Sheffield Wednesday.

Sunderland have been playing far beyond expectations all season and find themselves in 11th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 24,881

Leeds United 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland could count themselves somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw against Leeds United in their npower Championship game at Elland Road.

Striker Joe McCready gave Sunderland the lead with a free kick in the 65th minute. With time rapidly running out however, striker Craig Mullen then scored a finish executed with aplomb to equalise for Leeds United.

Better late than never for Leeds United and the fans were clearly delighted with Mullen's impact.

Sunderland have been playing far beyond expectations all season and find themselves in 13th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Craig Mullen (Leeds)
Attendance: 12,927

Sunderland 0 - 1 Newcastle United (npower Championship)

Newcastle United's fans left The Stadium of Light wondering quite how their team had only managed to win 1 - 0.

Newcastle United's winner came through Kieran Bellamy as he seized on Christian Prout's mistake to score a powerful penalty.

Sunderland may well look back on the number of shots they took from long range and rue their decisions, as they often proved wasteful.

Sunderland have been playing far beyond expectations all season and find themselves in 14th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Kirill Mets (Newcastle)
Attendance: 38,780

Table after 39 games

12^th Birmingham 53 Points
13^th Colchester 53 Points
14^th Sunderland 53 Points
15^th Blackpool 50 Points
16^th Stevenage 47 Points

Mathematically I’m 5 points from safety, however I’m staying up which was the aim this season with 7 games remaining there’s about 6 players ive singled out to leave the club over the summer, that being players who aren’t getting to their potential or who don’t look good enough for the level and will be moved on, the defeat too Newcastle is bad for me and us, but we keep going next season two games as they don’t look likely to be going anywhere for next year. I’m now beginning the planning for season two in the championship

[acidmonkey]

End of season Update

Leicester City 2 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Leicester City enjoyed a comfortable 2 - 0 victory over Sunderland. The win was deserved for Leicester who turned their superiority into goals in the npower Championship game at King Power Stadium.

Midfielder Ola Knai got Leicester City off to a flyer by scoring a tidy finish after just one minute. Things went from bad to worse for Sunderland as midfielder Danny Wilkin earned himself an early bath for a vicious foul on 16 minutes.

Sunderland also saw their 70th minute strike questionably chalked off. Winger Adrian Sapela finally rounded off their victory on 87 minutes with an accurate finish.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship all season and find themselves in 14th place.

Man of the Match: Ryan Russell (Leicester)
Attendance: 15,877

Derby County 2 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Derby County enjoyed a comfortable 2 - 0 victory over Sunderland. The win was deserved for Derby who turned their superiority into goals in the npower Championship game at Pride Park.

Striker Aidan Turner gave Derby County the lead with a simple finish from close in in the 19th minute. Turner was able to add to his tally soon after with another strike on 40 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for Sunderland as full-back Christian Prout earned himself an early bath for persistent fouling on 77 minutes.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship all season and find themselves in 16th place.

Man of the Match: Aidan Turner (Derby)
Attendance: 26,161

Sunderland 1 - 1 Birmingham City (npower Championship)

Sunderland could count themselves somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw against Birmingham City in their npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light.

Striker Kyle Pilkington gave Birmingham City the lead with a good diving header from close range in the 21st minute. Striker Joe McCready equalised for Sunderland after 45 minutes with a deftly executed finish from close range.

Striker David McDonald's red card for a vicious foul on 90 minutes put Sunderland's position under question.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship all season and find themselves in 15th place.

Man of the Match: Joe McCready (Sunderland)
Attendance: 26,882

Sunderland 3 - 4 Queens Park Rangers (npower Championship)

A fine spring evening at The Stadium of Light saw Queens Park Rangers come out on top against a surprisingly lacklustre Sunderland side.

Things did not get off to a good start for Sunderland as towering striker Rosario Pappalardo seized on an error by Rick Dillon to score an effort which was deflected on its way in. Veteran striker Bert de Koning doubled Queens Park Rangers' lead with a close range effort on 34 minutes.

Cox scored with a firm diving header from inside the six-yard box in the 37th minute to extend the lead further. Striker Kieron Marsden pulled one back for Sunderland after 41 minutes with a placed shot.

Centre-back Jonny Mellor pulled one back for Sunderland after 54 minutes with a finish executed with aplomb. Winger Osvaldo Bonaiuti then equalised for Sunderland in the 58th minute with a tap-in.

Things turned sour for Sunderland when full-back Thomas Nekos earned himself an early bath for persistent fouling on 82 minutes. Queens Park Rangers' winner came through Shawn Blake as he seized on Christos Geropanagiotis' mistake to score a placed shot from the edge of the area. Blake's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship all season and find themselves in 16th place.

Man of the Match: Brian Cox (Q.P.R.)
Attendance: 18,923

Fulham 3 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were on the end of a deserved defeat at Craven Cottage as they were completely outplayed by their opponents.

Flamboyant midfielder Magno got Fulham off to a flyer by scoring an accurate finish which went in off the post on 5 minutes. Fulham captain Eddie Dodd doubled Fulham's lead with an accurate finish on 62 minutes.

Experienced striker Wayne Steward completed the rout with a real poacher's effort on 74 minutes.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship all season and find themselves in 17th place.

Man of the Match: Greg Sharp (Fulham)
Attendance: 19,111

Sunderland 3 - 0 Huddersfield Town (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 3 - 0 winners over Huddersfield Town at The Stadium of Light.

Striker Kieron Marsden got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring an incisive finish on 6 minutes. Striker Joe McCready doubled Sunderland's lead with a tame effort from close to goal on 38 minutes.

An error from Huddersfield Town's Duncan Sharp allowed midfielder Dan Massey to score a tidy finish.

Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the npower Championship all season and find themselves in 16th place.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,218

Colchester United 3 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland will be wondering what might have been this morning after a close encounter with Colchester turned into a 3 - 0 victory for their opponents.

Things did not get off to a good start for Sunderland as Colchester United's Iulian Antal scored from the spot after Osvaldo Bonaiuti had given away a penalty. Colchester captain Alan Clitheroe doubled Colchester United's lead with a screamer which thundered in off the post from the edge of the area on 41 minutes.

Explosive striker Rogério Costa completed the rout with an incisive finish on 69 minutes.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 3 years.

Man of the Match: Carl Anderson (Colchester)
Attendance: 9,226

Well that’s the season over, very inconsistent but down to one underlying factor, we always had a team I built for league one not for the championship. And for that now I start to build a team for this division, the core players are good enough I find, but we do need some new players for this level, my first stop is a quality keeper, which may be difficult on the budget I have but I’m sure I’ll do it, also need a left back and a left winger to have a decent first team, we then will need to build up some depth but that will be a job for next season I feel

[acidmonkey]

League table and top scorer

League table


Position History


Top Scorer

[acidmonkey]

Again the board are tying my hands

Transfer budget for this season £60k
age budget £ 60k

expected to finish 18th so i think i may have to sell a player or two...

[SRL88]

Massive fall down the table really.

Such a shame the board are being arseholes. Shows how far the club has fallen.

[acidmonkey]

There are some big sides sniffing round two players im ditching and don't know why as they are pretty poor TBH so going to try and milk a few million out of them to bolster my finances they are good for this level but very inconsistent so im hoping to milk 2-4m out of them

[acidmonkey]

Well as i wanted i made £4m out of the two dud players so im on a strengten mission with my £2.5m

[acidmonkey]

Ok so new signings time!

Luis Alfonso - Cadiz - £75k
The third best striker in the squad signed for goals and cover after grabbing 14 goals in 24 appearances in the Spanish second Tier last term he was offered to me, so i scouted him prior, scouts said he would develop into a decent premiership striker so if nothing else i'm looking to make some money on him

Ashley whitehouse - Derby - £70k
Another player offered to me, and signed for his hes a player i expect to get better n better, my new staff think he will be a key member of the first team so anyone who can help the club and develop the younger the players is fine by me.

Manuel Serra - Real Betis - £170k
signed as my new number one keeper, good reflexes decent enough stats elsewhere, Scouts pulled him as a decent premiership keeper which is what we severely lacked, we needed a keeper desperately as my Greek keeper was too much of a liability and Porter isn't quite up to the required standard yet.

Fernando Lemma - Melilla - £675k
The biggest spend of the summer for us, he can tackle well and has the work rate and team work to fit in well hes going to be my first choice left back, but has the ability to play left wing if required which is helpful, but he will go straight into the first team

Pietro Concilio - Free Transfer
So the centre back signs with experience of the premier league, Serie A and europe, was released from Chelsea last season despite being a signging from Napoli for a fee of £2.1m so if he can show half his promise he will turn out to be a great signing

Kyle Walker - Nottingham Forest - £220k
his tackling int the best in the world but has other qualities that do us well to act as cover for Lemma, takes a quality free kick and cant half whip in a corner

Doug Marshall - Boreham Wood - £100k
Offers very little but has a mean cross and some decent pace, which will do well for cover at left wing, theres not a lot more to say about him.

[acidmonkey]

Pre-Season Update

Sunderland 0 - 0 St. Mirren (Friendly)

After a 0 - 0 draw at The Stadium of Light against Sunderland, a key member of the St. Mirren side claimed that his team were fortunate to escape from this Friendly fixture with a draw.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Man of the Match: Daniel Hanley (Sunderland)
Attendance: 5,496

Morecambe 0 - 2 Sunderland (Friendly)

Sunderland enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Morecambe side at The Globe Arena this evening.

Striker David McDonald gave Sunderland the lead with a close range header in the 32nd minute. Midfielder Raphaël Renault finally rounded off their victory on 93 minutes with an effort from the edge of the area.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 2,236

Corby Town 0 - 7 Sunderland (Friendly)

Sunderland fans celebrated an emphatic 7 - 0 win at Steel Park this evening. A brace from Luis Alfonso helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Joe McCready gave Sunderland the lead with a placed shot in the 14th minute. Midfielder Dan Massey doubled Sunderland's lead with a header on 27 minutes.

An error from Corby Town's Andy Dove allowed centre-back Pietro Concilio to score a simple finish from close in. Centre-back Adrian Wall compounded the misery for Corby Town on 57 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal.

Luis Alfonso then increased Sunderland's advantage further with a well timed close range finish on 65 minutes. Luis Alfonso added his 2nd goal of the game with a tap-in on 79 minutes.

Young midfielder Gerald Day completed the rout with a well timed close range finish on 91 minutes.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 2,110

East Fife 0 - 3 Sunderland (Friendly)

Sunderland enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average East Fife side at New Bayview this evening. A brace from Daniel Hanley helped Sunderland to victory.

An error from East Fife's Ian Lynch allowed striker David McDonald to score a deftly executed finish. Enthusiastic centre-back Daniel Hanley doubled Sunderland's lead with a header on 57 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 70 minutes as that man Hanley popped up again with a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

Man of the Match: Daniel Hanley (Sunderland)
Attendance: 1,605

Sunderland 0 - 2 Hull City Reserves (Friendly)

Despite having the better of the match at The Stadium of Light, Sunderland were unable to profit as they went down to Hull City Reserves. The greater incisiveness of the victors resulted in a comfortable 2 - 0 scoreline against Sunderland, who failed to turn their superior possession into goals.

The match began in controversy with Hull City seeing a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Costa Rica captain Diego Nuñez gave Hull City the lead with an incisive finish in the 45th minute.

Young winger Mitch Harvey finally rounded off their victory on 66 minutes with a real poacher's effort.

Man of the Match: Louis McHugh (Hull Reserves)
Attendance: 3,079

A decent enough pre-season, we need to improve over the last game to make it through the season im looking for a mid-table finish this season and home to steadily improve enough to mount a challenge for promotion

[acidmonkey]

Relegated teams last season:
Cardiff
Ipswich
Gillingham

Promoted sides
Crewe
Plymouth
Carlisle



Main games in Fixtures

Opening Game
Gillingham Home

Boxing Day Game
Oxford Home

Last Game of the season
Oxford Away

Derbies
Middlesbrough Home 16th AugustNewcastle Away 18th OctoberMiddlesbrough Away 7th January
Newcastle Home 4th March

[Nobby_McDonald]

Building blocks in place..?

[acidmonkey]

Building blocks in place..?

Not quite bud muddling through

[acidmonkey]

August Update

Sunderland 0 - 3 Gillingham (npower Championship)

Sunderland were unable to capitalise on their dominance as they fell to defeat in their npower Championship encounter with Gillingham. A brace from Bobby Atkin helped Gillingham to victory.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Gillingham were denied claims by Dzemal Avdic for a penalty. Atkin scored from the penalty spot after Chambers gave away a penalty. Atkin scored from the penalty spot after Chambers gave away a penalty. Exaperienced winger Ashley Thompson completed the rout with a powerful effort on 45 minutes.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 3 years.

Man of the Match: Bobby Atkin (Gillingham)
Attendance: 22,002

Colchester United 0 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Colchester United succumbed to a 3 - 0 loss in this afternoon's npower Championship clash at The Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The first incident of note was on 36 minutes as Sunderland were denied claims by Russell Woodburn for a penalty. Woodburn gave Sunderland the lead with a simple finish from close in in the 57th minute.

Midfielder Raphaël Renault doubled Sunderland's lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box on 70 minutes. Striker Tony Agus completed the rout with an accurate finish on 87 minutes.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 3 years.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 9,230

Sunderland 2 - 2 Middlesbrough (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Middlesbrough in a close-fought npower Championship match played at The Stadium of Light.

Full-back Gavin Morrice then saw a penalty smack the bar on the 32 minute mark. Then followed controversy as Middlesbrough were denied claims by promising striker Sam Little for a penalty.

Striker Michael Holmes gave Middlesbrough the lead with a deftly executed finish in the 35th minute. Sunderland's equaliser came through Luis Alfonso as he seized on Stuart McLeod's mistake to score a close range header. Striker Jon Wootton then put Middlesbrough in front after 81 minutes with a simple finish from close in.

The Middlesbrough fans might have hoped that Wootton had scored the winner but it was not to be. With Middlesbrough already beginning to celebrate, midfielder Dan Massey then scored a powerful effort from the edge of the area in injury-time to snatch the equaliser for Sunderland.

Better late than never for Sunderland and the fans were clearly delighted with Massey's impact.

Sunderland have climbed above teams such as Sheffield United, Carlisle United and Watford to 11th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Jon Wootton (Middlesbrough)
Attendance: 28,939

Nottingham Forest 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland could count themselves somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw against Nottingham Forest in their npower Championship game at The City Ground.

The match began in controversy with Nottingham Forest seeing a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Nottm Forest captain Shaun McAllister gave Nottingham Forest the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 32nd minute.

Striker Tony Agus equalised for Sunderland after 38 minutes with a well struck effort from the edge of the box. Full-back Jorge Santos' red card for ungentlemanly conduct on 92 minutes put Nottingham Forest's position under question.

Man of the Match: Arnel Stilic (Nottm Forest)
Attendance: 20,232

Sunderland 1 - 0 Carlisle United (npower Championship)

Sunderland taught Carlisle United a lesson at The Stadium of Light this evening.

Striker David McDonald got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a weak close range effort on 10 minutes.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Sunderland have climbed above teams such as Oxford United, Birmingham City and Walsall to 10th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Matt Lewis (Carlisle)
Attendance: 24,502

Well not the start I wanted as our 18 year old full back, gave away two penalties on his debut, but I persevered with him after the defeat to Chesterfield I was concerned this would just get worse but I was happy we got a great win over Colchester, an even better point was the fact Chambers had a great game. After that we nabbed two draw first point of a north east derby! Followed by another point at play-off hopefuls Forest before edging Carlisle out to give us a solid start to the campaign

[acidmonkey]

September Update

Huddersfield Town 1 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland recorded a somewhat fortuitous win over Huddersfield Town on a fine summer's afternoon at The Galpharm Stadium. The match was certainly not one for the purists with neither side able to keep the errors out of their game.

Things did not get off to a good start for Huddersfield Town as Sunderland's Tony Agus scored from the spot after Harald Tol had given away a penalty. Huddersfield Town's equaliser came through Miran Kovacic as he seized on Rudi Chambers' mistake to score a powerful penalty. Huddersfield Town also saw their 40th minute strike questionably chalked off.

The last goal of the game came from experienced centre-back Harald Tol whose 69th minute own-goal will undoubtedly cause him some embarrassment.

Sunderland have climbed above teams such as Watford, Walsall and Newcastle United to 5th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: David Paine (Huddersfield)
Attendance: 10,308

Sunderland 2 - 1 Derby County (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 2 - 1 victory over Derby County on a fine summer's afternoon in their npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light.

Striker Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with an accurate finish in the 24th minute. Centre-back Conor Rigby ensured things went from bad to worse for Derby County on 77 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal.

Striker Neal Coyne's 83rd minute strike proved the only consolation for Derby County.

Sunderland have climbed above Watford to 4th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Kyle Walker (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,896

Watford 1 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

A sturdy defence and a battling midfield display were the foundations upon which Sunderland built their 3 - 1 victory over Watford this afternoon.

Midfielder Scott Spence got Watford off to a flyer by scoring a real poacher's effort on 8 minutes. Centre-back Pietro Concilio then equalised for Sunderland in the 24th minute with a close range header.

Centre-back Jonny Mellor then put Sunderland in front after 72 minutes with a poorly struck effort from inside the penalty area. Striker Tony Agus completed the scoring for Sunderland with a free kick from the edge of the area on 82 minutes.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 3rd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 11,327

Sunderland 2 - 0 Brighton and Hove Albion (npower Championship)

Brighton and Hove Albion succumbed to a 2 - 0 loss in this evening's npower Championship clash at The Stadium of Light.

Midfielder Russell Woodburn gave Sunderland the lead with a tame effort in the 28th minute. Striker Tony Agus finally rounded off their victory on 41 minutes with a free kick from the edge of the area.

Full-back Daryl Guy then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Sunderland another goal on 44 minutes.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 2nd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 20,683

WOW what a month is all I can say a 100% record helps us get the points on the board asap in our bid to stay up, the side seems to be playing much better with Serra at the back next month is a big one for us, as we take on the mags, we also have lots to do as the table settles down and im hoping to be mid-table, once the league settles down.

[deltablue]

Suddenly clicked very well there.

[acidmonkey]

October Update

Rotherham United 0 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 3 - 0 winners over Rotherham United at Rotherham Community Stadium. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Sunderland's Tony Agus.

Agus had no trouble in scoring from the spot when Babic conceded a penalty. Things then went from bad to worse for Rotherham United as centre-back Joshua Roberts was back in the dressing room on 45 minutes.

Agus scored from the penalty spot after Richards gave away a penalty. When Davis gave away a penalty, Agus confidently stepped up to score from the spot.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 11,483

Sunderland 2 - 0 Birmingham City (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 2 - 0 winners over Birmingham City at The Stadium of Light.

Striker Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a free kick from the edge of the area in the 37th minute. Agus completed the scoring for Sunderland with a curling shot on 77 minutes.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 2nd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 26,129

Newcastle United 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Newcastle United in a close-fought npower Championship match played at St. James' Park.

Striker David McDonald gave Sunderland the lead with a well executed finish in the 18th minute. Striker Tony Agus saw a penalty beat the keeper but hit the post on the 68 minute mark.

Newcastle United's equaliser came through Dwight Weibolt as he seized on Luis Alfonso's mistake to score a long range effort.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Kirill Mets (Newcastle)
Attendance: 31,305

Sunderland 0 - 1 Ipswich Town (npower Championship)

Ipswich Town battled their way to a 1 - 0 victory in this evenly-matched contest between two hard-working teams.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Sunderland were denied claims by Pietro Concilio for a penalty. Striker James Barnett gave Ipswich Town the lead with a well timed finish from close range in the 79th minute.

Despite having a number of corners, Sunderland found little by way of success.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Aaron Carbon (Ipswich)
Attendance: 26,554

Walsall 3 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Walsall battled their way to a 3 - 2 victory in this evenly-matched contest between two hard-working teams.

Walsall captain Tobi Babatunde gave Walsall the lead with a header in the 15th minute. Full-back Fernando Lemma then equalised for Sunderland in the 21st minute with a tidy finish.

Promising striker Gavin Lake put Walsall in front in the 46th minute with a real poacher's effort. Striker Luis Alfonso then equalised for Sunderland in the 80th minute with an incisive finish.

Experienced striker Steve Todd then clinched a late winner on 88 minutes with a finish tucked away with consummate ease. Todd's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 3rd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Fernando Lemma (Sunderland)
Attendance: 8,871

Again we seem to be on a roll, I’m happy with the point from the mags’ it’s all about not losing the derbies now neither boro nor Newcastle can do the double over me, Agus has managed to get to the top of the goal scoring charts. Next month is going to be a tough one, but we have the capabilities of doing well this season, but I’m still hoping for little more than mid-table anything else is a bonus

[acidmonkey]

November Update

Sunderland 3 - 1 Cardiff City (npower Championship)

A deserved 3 - 1 win for Sunderland over Cardiff City this evening was greeted with delight by the victorious team's fans and players alike.

An error from Cardiff City's Robert Rusnak allowed striker Tony Agus to score an accurate finish from inside the penalty area. Full-back Kyle Walker's red card for ungentlemanly conduct on 58 minutes put Sunderland's position under question.

Midfielder Denis Hamidovic then equalised for Cardiff City in the 60th minute with a free kick from the edge of the area. Young midfielder Doug Marshall put Sunderland in front in the 77th minute with a weak close range effort.

The last goal of the game came from centre-back Tanel Tarassu whose 88th minute own-goal will undoubtedly cause him some embarrassment.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 2nd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Thomas Nekos (Sunderland)
Attendance: 21,754

Stevenage 1 - 5 Sunderland (npower Championship)

A close-fought game at Broadhall Way ended in a one-sided result as Sunderland defeated Stevenage 5 - 1. A brace from David McDonald helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Luis Alfonso got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a tap-in on 3 minutes. Striker David McDonald doubled Sunderland's lead with a placed shot on 23 minutes.

McDonald was able to add to his tally soon after with another strike on 29 minutes. Defensive midfielder Jon Godfrey pulled one back for Stevenage after 39 minutes with a placed shot.

Midfielder Russell Woodburn then added to the lead with a header on 56 minutes. An error from Stevenage's George Leeson allowed enthusiastic centre-back Rick Dillon to score a close range header.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 6,168

Blackpool 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

The Sunderland contingent that watched their side draw 1 - 1 with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road will have been more than pleased with their team's performance in an entertaining npower Championship match.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Blackpool were denied claims by Adnan Colic for a penalty. Striker Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a placed shot in the 34th minute.

With time rapidly running out however, striker Didier Vincent then scored a free kick from the edge of the area to equalise for Blackpool. Better late than never for Blackpool and the fans were clearly delighted with Vincent's impact.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Ashley Whitehouse (Sunderland)
Attendance: 6,185

Table after 19 games

1^st Sunderland 38 Points
2^nd Gillingham 36 Points
3^rd Middlesbrough 35 Point
4^th Rotherham 34 Points
5^th Burnley 34 Points
6^th Watford 32 Points

Woo 11points from 15 that’s more than the fabled 2 points a game that championship winners are made of, I don’t see it lasting after Christmas once the inevitable suspensions and injuries takes its toll, im still banking on the aim being to stay up but we are putting points on the board faster than expected, and we are playing good football I can just feel its all going to go to pot soon….

[AcidBurn]

Brilliant so far, I have to ask how are Crewe doing?

[acidmonkey]

Ill tell you tomorrow as i also have to play them next.

[acidmonkey]

December Update

Crewe Alexandra 1 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 1 winners over Crewe Alexandra at The Alexandra Stadium. A brace from Tony Agus helped Sunderland to victory.

Young midfielder Kyle Hadley gave Crewe Alexandra the lead with a fine header from point-blank range in the 27th minute. Striker Tony Agus then equalised for Sunderland in the 49th minute with a deftly executed finish.

Midfielder Ourdy Kaluyituka was left red-faced in the 71st minute as he managed to put the ball into his own net. An error from Crewe Alexandra's Jerry Diallo allowed Agus to score a fierce shot.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 10,109

Sunderland 4 - 0 Barnsley (npower Championship)

The final score of 4 - 0 was fully deserved as Sunderland totally controlled their npower Championship game against Barnsley at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Luis Alfonso helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker David McDonald got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a good header from just inside the six-yard box on 4 minutes. Striker Luis Alfonso doubled Sunderland's lead with a tap-in on 20 minutes.

Walker scored with a fierce shot in the 71st minute to extend the lead further. An error from Barnsley's Stephen McIntosh allowed Luis Alfonso to score a well timed close range finish.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Luis Alfonso (Sunderland)
Attendance: 29,401

Sheffield United 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland could count themselves somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw against Sheffield United in their npower Championship game at Bramall Lane.

Centre-back Jonny Mellor gave Sunderland the lead with a close range finish which was timed impeccably in the 31st minute. Striker Abdelmalek Taleb equalised for Sheffield United after 43 minutes with a well struck shot from inside the box which made sure.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 20,526

Sunderland 3 - 0 Oxford United (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 0 winners over Oxford United at The Stadium of Light.

Centre-back Pietro Concilio gave Sunderland the lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box in the 40th minute. Striker Tony Agus doubled Sunderland's lead with a free kick from the edge of the area on 44 minutes.

Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by Concilio for a penalty. Centre-back Jonny Mellor completed the rout with a close range header on 73 minutes.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Russell Woodburn (Sunderland)
Attendance: 24,164

Sunderland 2 - 1 Cardiff City (FA Cup 3rd Rnd)

In a surprise result, Sunderland overcame Cardiff City at The Stadium of Light 2 - 1.

An error from Cardiff City's Ambrogio Menza allowed young midfielder Doug Marshall to score a freak goal. Striker Zvonko Klevze then equalised for Cardiff City in the 58th minute with a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

Striker Kieron Marsden scored what proved to be the winner on 61 minutes with a freak goal.

Man of the Match: Daniel Hanley (Sunderland)
Attendance: 18,243

League after 23 games
1^st Sunderland 48 Points
2^nd Watford 42 Points
3^rd Burnley 41 Points
4^th Gillingham 41 Points
5^th Rotherham 39 Points
6^th N Forest 38 Points


An awesome month for us as we continue to confound critics and sit atop the table, I still await the inevitable slump, we continue to be tight at the back and free scoring upfront we have the joint tightest defence with Sheffield United, and we are currently the joint top scorer of the league. We have some difficult games next month and we don’t have that large a lead, the squad will need major stengthing if the unlikely happens and we end up in the premier league

[SRL88]

Building a nice little gap there.

[acidmonkey]

January Update

Gillingham 1 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Gillingham enjoyed much of the possession by dominating their npower Championship match against a sub-standard Sunderland side.

The first incident of note was on 42 minutes as Gillingham were denied claims by Ashley Thompson for a penalty. Gillingham finally took the lead when midfielder Plínio scored a finish tucked away with consummate ease on 44 minutes.

Sunderland were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Frank Stevens (Gillingham)
Attendance: 6,831

Middlesbrough 1 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland taught Middlesbrough a lesson at The Riverside Stadium this afternoon.

Things did not get off to a good start for Sunderland as young striker Sam Little seized on an error by Jonny Mellor to score an accurate finish from inside the penalty area. Centre-back Jonny Mellor then equalised for Sunderland in the 45th minute with a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

Striker Tony Agus scored what proved to be the winner on 64 minutes with an effort from the edge of the area which curled past the goalkeeper. It was a superb solo effort and Agus looked delighted.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 22,922

Sunderland 4 - 2 Colchester United (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 4 - 2 winners over Colchester United at The Stadium of Light. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Sunderland's Tony Agus.

Striker Tony Agus got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 8 minutes. Colchester United were nearly gifted a goal on 12 minutes through Pietro Concilio's lapse in concentration but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them.

Colchester captain Alan Clitheroe then equalised for Colchester United in the 60th minute with a powerful effort. Striker David McDonald put Sunderland in front in the 66th minute with a well timed finish from close range.

Clitheroe equalised for Colchester United in the 82nd minute with an accurate finish. Agus then added his 2nd goal of the game with a tidy finish on 83 minutes.

It was a superb solo effort and Agus looked delighted. The Sunderland fans might have been forgiven for thinking that their side would be happy with just the winner but the scoring wasn't over.

Agus completed the scoring for Sunderland with a deftly executed finish on 89 minutes.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 23,177

Sunderland 1 - 2 Nottingham Forest (npower Championship)

Nottingham Forest's fans left The Stadium of Light wondering quite how their team had only managed to win 2 - 1. A brace from Shaun McAllister helped Nottm Forest to victory.

Nottingham Forest finally took the lead when Nottm Forest captain Shaun McAllister scored a powerful effort on 41 minutes. McAllister added his 2nd goal of the game with a deftly executed finish on 80 minutes.

It was a superb solo effort and McAllister looked delighted. Centre-back Jonny Mellor's 93rd minute strike proved the only consolation for Sunderland.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Shaun McAllister (Nottm Forest)
Attendance: 29,511

Carlisle United 0 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

After a 0 - 0 draw at Brunton Park against Sunderland, a key member of the Carlisle United side claimed that his team were fortunate to escape from this npower Championship fixture with a draw.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Rudi Chambers (Sunderland)
Attendance: 11,014

Sunderland 3 - 0 Crewe Alexandra (FA Cup 4th Rnd)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 3 - 0 winners over Crewe Alexandra at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Tony Agus helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 34th minute. Agus added his 2nd goal of the game with a powerful effort on 56 minutes.

Striker David McDonald completed the rout with an accurate finish on 60 minutes.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 17,446

Sunderland 3 - 1 Huddersfield Town (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 1 winners over Huddersfield Town at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Luis Alfonso helped Sunderland to victory.

Full-back Fernando Lemma gave Sunderland the lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box in the 33rd minute. Midfielder Svetozar Cherkezov then equalised for Huddersfield Town in the 74th minute with a deftly executed finish.

Striker Luis Alfonso put Sunderland in front in the 83rd minute with a cleanly struck effort from close to goal. The Sunderland fans might have been forgiven for thinking that their side would be happy with just the winner but the scoring wasn't over.

Luis Alfonso completed the scoring for Sunderland with a well struck effort on 93 minutes.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Luis Alfonso (Sunderland)
Attendance: 23,509

League table after 29 games

1^st Sunderland 58 Points
2^nd Burnley 56 Points
3^rd Rotherham 52 Points
4^th Gilligham 51 Points
5^th Watford 51 Points


Still solid in the league and still somehow holding onto top spot as we begin to stumble a lot, but still somehow manage to get wins on the board I’m beginning to think we might win the league, and I’m uncertain if it’s too early I think it will be but we will have the funds to strengthen easily, so I’m confident if I do go up I can survive. But it’s not certain as we don’t have that big a lead, and we wobble. Again Agus tops the goal scoring charts and is beginning to look a likely target for other teams.

[deltablue]

Interesting seeing Gillingham up there.

[acidmonkey]

Interesting seeing Gillingham up there.

They were relegated from the premiership last year

[deltablue]

Ah, still interesting how things change, them going to the Premier League, Sunderland having been in League 2...

[acidmonkey]

Interesting seeing Gillingham up there.

<br><br>They were relegated from the premiership last year

Wigan are just above the drop zone of league two, is the other most surprising thing

[acidmonkey]

February Update

Derby County 2 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 3 - 2 victory over Derby County on a fine afternoon in their npower Championship game at Pride Park.

Things did not get off to a good start for Sunderland as midfielder Gary Baker seized on an error by Ashley Whitehouse to score a tame effort from close to goal. Striker David McDonald then equalised for Sunderland in the 10th minute with a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

Striker Tony Agus then put Sunderland in front after 16 minutes with a placed shot from close range. Midfielder Dan Massey had a chance to score from the penalty spot for Sunderland on the 64 minute mark but missed his spot-kick.

Derby County's equaliser came through Michael Chandler as he seized on Kyle Walker's mistake to score a simple finish from close in. Striker Luis Alfonso then clinched a late winner on 81 minutes with an accurate finish.

Luis Alfonso's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Gary Baker (Derby)
Attendance: 19,960

Sunderland 0 - 3 Watford (npower Championship)

Sunderland were on the end of a deserved defeat at The Stadium of Light as they were completely outplayed by their opponents. A brace from Massimiliano Caforio helped Watford to victory.

An error from Sunderland's Rick Dillon allowed towering striker Massimiliano Caforio to score a tidy finish. Caforio added his 2nd goal of the game with a placed shot on 47 minutes.

An error from Sunderland's David McDonald allowed Watford captain Tapiwa Dube to score an accurate finish.

Sunderland have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 2nd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Massimiliano Caforio (Watford)
Attendance: 27,582

Brighton and Hove Albion 1 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Brighton and Hove Albion's fans left American Express Community Stadium wondering quite how their team had only managed to win 1 - 0.

Midfielder Leo Ugljesic gave Brighton and Hove Albion the lead with an effort from the edge of the area which curled past the goalkeeper in the 18th minute.

Sunderland covered a lot of ground but also conceded far too many fouls, meaning their effort was often for nothing.

Sunderland are currently in 2nd place, two points behind league leaders Burnley.

Man of the Match: Leo Ugljesic (Brighton)
Attendance: 14,636

Bolton Wanderers 2 - 1 Sunderland (FA Cup 5th Rnd)

Bolton Wanderers enjoyed much of the possession by dominating their English FA Cup Fifth Round match against a sub-standard Sunderland side.

Experienced striker Edgar Alvarado got Bolton Wanderers off to a flyer by scoring a powerful effort after just one minute. Striker Tony Agus then equalised for Sunderland in the 5th minute with an accurate finish.

Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by striker Luis Alfonso for a penalty. Solid centre-back Oscar Sánchez scored what proved to be the winner on 50 minutes with a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

With Sunderland staring at defeat, there was controversy as enthusiastic centre-back Rick Dillon then had a penalty shout turned down.

Man of the Match: Oscar Sánchez (Bolton)
Attendance: 14,653

Birmingham City 3 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland will be wondering what might have been this morning after a close encounter with Birmingham turned into a 3 - 0 victory for their opponents. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Birmingham's Kyle Pilkington.

Striker Kyle Pilkington gave Birmingham City the lead with a powerful effort in the 13th minute. Pilkington added his 2nd goal of the game with a simple finish from close in on 19 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 37 minutes as that man Pilkington popped up again with a finish executed with aplomb.

Sunderland have now suffered four straight defeats and the promotion contenders find themselves in 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Kyle Pilkington (Birmingham)
Attendance: 16,717

Table after 34 Points

1^st Burnley 67 Points
2^nd Rotherham 65 Points
3^rd Watford 62 Points
4^th Gillingham 62 Points
5^th Sunderland 61 Points
6^th Cardiff 59 Points
7^th Middlesbrough 58 Points

And so the expected slide begins, The expected injuries and suspensions have taken their toll, and with the younger players taking the starting berths we gave away too many fouls, and the free-kicks are taking their toll us, although the FA cup game was disappointing, we only narrowly lost and should have had 2 penalties, but we weren’t as good defensively as we have been in the past few months, we also seem to have lost our goal scoring prowess. It’s all down to the lack of depth in strength; we need to add depth in the summer, by purchasing first team players and adding quality youths. And I’m already looking for it one of the hardest months of the season I’m hoping to pick back up this month and try to at least grab a play-off spot it’s the least we deserve unless we pick it up however there are chances we can end up mid-table which isn’t any good for us.

[SRL88]

Some bad results there .

[acidmonkey]

Some bad results there .

I know i need to pick up quickly if the promotion is still on the cards, also the next game is the Tyne-Wear Derby too!

[acidmonkey]

March Update

Sunderland 4 - 1 Newcastle United (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 4 - 1 winners over Newcastle United at The Stadium of Light.

Centre-back Ben Larbi got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a diving header from within the six-yard box on 2 minutes. Striker David McDonald doubled Sunderland's lead with a powerful effort on 22 minutes.

An error from Sunderland's Ben Larbi allowed striker Bradley Gallen to score a placed shot. Mellor scored with a powerful close range header in the 70th minute to extend the lead further.

Striker Luis Alfonso completed the rout with a well struck effort on 74 minutes.

Sunderland have climbed above Middlesbrough and Gillingham to 4th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Dan Massey (Sunderland)
Attendance: 40,321

Sunderland 2 - 2 Walsall (npower Championship)

After a 2 - 2 draw at The Stadium of Light against Sunderland, a key member of the Walsall side claimed that his team were fortunate to escape from this npower Championship fixture with a draw.

Striker Luis Alfonso got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring an accurate finish after just one minute. Experienced striker Steve Todd then equalised for Walsall in the 38th minute with an attempt which took a fortunate deflection.

Luis Alfonso then added his 2nd goal of the game with a placed shot from close range on 47 minutes. With Sunderland already beginning to celebrate, defensive midfielder Jon Godfrey then scored a header in injury-time to snatch the equaliser for Walsall.

Better late than never for Walsall and the fans were clearly delighted with Godfrey's impact.

Sunderland have dropped one place to 6th in the npower Championship, with Gillingham climbing above them.

Man of the Match: Luis Alfonso (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,204

Cardiff City 2 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

In an even game at Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff City came away with victory in their npower Championship match.

Midfielder Denis Hamidovic gave Cardiff City the lead with a placed shot in the 15th minute. Enthusiastic striker Liam Wilson finally rounded off their victory on 60 minutes with a close range finish which was timed impeccably.

Full-back Gideon Kondaponi's red card for a vicious foul on 69 minutes put Cardiff City's position under question.

Sunderland are currently in 6th place, nine points behind league leaders Burnley.

Man of the Match: Liam Wilson (Cardiff)
Attendance: 14,362

Sunderland 2 - 0 Stevenage (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 2 - 0 winners over Stevenage at The Stadium of Light.

Striker Joe McCready got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 4 minutes. Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by midfielder Russell Woodburn for a penalty.

Centre-back Pietro Concilio finally rounded off their victory on 81 minutes with a freak goal.

Sunderland have climbed above Cardiff to 5th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Pietro Concilio (Sunderland)
Attendance: 24,576

Table after 39 games

1^st Burnely 77 Points
2^nd N Forest 72 Points
3^rd Watford 71 Points
4^th Gillingham 69 Points
5^th Sunderland 68 Points
6^th Cardiff 67 Points
7^th Rotherham 67 Points


So the defence has more holes than a colander we need to tighten up at the back! We seem to have difficulty to converting our chances and we need to start to pick up our form the opening game of the month our last Derby I assumed we would be much better this month after dismantling the mags in front of 40k fans, we need to harness that form and get back on track. We are to go into the final league month of the season, the way the year has fallen means now championship games during May except the play-offs, I’m sure we can do it.

[SRL88]

You beat Newcastle so I am sure the fans will get over your previous month .

[acidmonkey]

You beat Newcastle so I am sure the fans will get over your previous month .

We didn't just beat them, we destroyed them!

[acidmonkey]

End of Season Update

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

After a 1 - 1 draw at Home Park against Sunderland, a key member of the Plymouth Argyle side claimed that his team were fortunate to escape from this npower Championship fixture with a draw.

Explosive striker Tim Lawson gave Plymouth Argyle the lead with a deftly executed finish from close range in the 40th minute. Things went from bad to worse for Sunderland as midfielder Dan Massey missed from the penalty spot on the 50 minute mark.

Massey went on to equalise for Sunderland after 71 minutes with a towering header.

Sunderland have been playing far beyond expectations all season and find themselves in 6th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 14,616

Sunderland 2 - 1 Blackpool (npower Championship)

Sunderland came out on top on a fine spring afternoon game at The Stadium of Light against Blackpool. A brace from Joe McCready helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Didier Vincent gave Blackpool the lead with a placed shot from close range in the 22nd minute. Striker Joe McCready then equalised for Sunderland in the 39th minute with a finish tucked away with consummate ease.

Sunderland's winner came through McCready as he seized on Zdravko Golubic's mistake to score a tidy finish.

Sunderland are currently on a three match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Joe McCready (Sunderland)
Attendance: 24,314

Burnley 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Following their 1 - 1 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor, an ex-Sunderland player claimed that his former team must improve if they are to succeed this season.

Striker Elliot Stowell gave Burnley the lead with an accurate finish in the 19th minute. Midfielder Russell Woodburn equalised for Sunderland after 27 minutes with a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

Sunderland have been playing far beyond expectations all season and find themselves in 6th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Fernando Lemma (Sunderland)
Attendance: 16,552

Sunderland 4 - 1 Crewe Alexandra (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 4 - 1 winners over Crewe Alexandra at The Stadium of Light.

Young striker Gavin Grimshaw gave Crewe Alexandra the lead with an effort which was deflected on its way in in the 16th minute. Enthusiastic centre-back Rick Dillon then equalised for Sunderland in the 32nd minute with a mighty header from within the six-yard box.

An error from Crewe Alexandra's Jimmy Rodwell allowed striker Kieron Marsden to score a deftly executed finish from close range. Centre-back Jimmy Rodwell compounded the misery for Crewe Alexandra on 58 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal.

Midfielder Ashley Whitehouse completed the rout with an accurate finish on 92 minutes.

Sunderland are currently on a five match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Dan Massey (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,490

Barnsley 1 - 4 Sunderland (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 4 - 1 winners over Barnsley at Oakwell. A brace from Dan Massey helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Kieron Marsden got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a finish executed with aplomb on 9 minutes. Midfielder Dan Massey doubled Sunderland's lead with a weak close range effort on 22 minutes.

Marshall scored with a close range effort in the 40th minute to extend the lead further. Striker John Harrington pulled one back for Barnsley after 63 minutes with a placed shot.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 65 minutes as that man Massey popped up again with a real poacher's effort.

Sunderland are currently on a six match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Dan Massey (Sunderland)
Attendance: 13,300

Sunderland 0 - 4 Sheffield United (npower Championship)

Despite proving the match of their opponents for much of the game, Sunderland succumbed to a 4 - 0 defeat at the hands of Sheffield United. A brace from Conor Rutledge helped Sheff Utd to victory.

Striker Conor Rutledge gave Sheffield United the lead with a well timed finish from close range in the 44th minute. Full-back Thomas Nekos ensured things went from bad to worse for Sunderland on 57 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal.

Rutledge added his 2nd goal of the game with a powerful effort on 72 minutes. An error from Sunderland's Fernando Lemma allowed centre-back Jamie Killick to score a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

Sunderland have been playing far beyond expectations all season and find themselves in 6th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Conor Rutledge (Sheff Utd)
Attendance: 30,618

Oxford United 1 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

A fine spring afternoon at The Kassam Stadium saw Oxford United come out on top against a surprisingly lacklustre Sunderland side.

The first incident of note was on 68 minutes as Sunderland were denied claims by Russell Woodburn for a penalty. With the game nearing an end, it was Ashley Haran who scored a tap-in to give Oxford United the lead on 80 minutes.

Haran's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Sunderland were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 4 years.

Man of the Match: Ashley Haran (Oxford)
Attendance: 12,387

What a season! We had such a rollercoaster year, at one point not only were we odds on for promotion the premier league we were odds on for promotion as champions, the goalscorer we have with Agus we were set but then the suspensions and injuries kicked in which left us floundering and we slumped at one point looking like we were going to slide down to mid-table but we managed to arrest the slump and stay within the play-offs, and we will play 3^rd placed Cardiff who stormed into third place taking advantage of us all floundering. So we move into this and ill be posting both play-off finals from the highlights

Wish me luck!

[AcidBurn]

Good luck dude, very inconsistent especially for the second half of the season.

[acidmonkey]

Final Table and scorer

[acidmonkey]

Play-off semi final first leg



Sunderland 1 - 1 Cardiff City (npower Championship Playoff Semi Final)

The Sunderland contingent that watched their side draw 1 - 1 with Cardiff City at The Stadium of Light will have been more than pleased with their team's performance in an entertaining npower Championship Playoff Semi Final match.

Midfielder Anton Boogers gave Cardiff City the lead with a fierce shot in the 50th minute. Sunderland's equaliser came through Joe McCready as he seized on Zvonko Klevze's mistake to score a shot from the edge of the area.

Man of the Match: Anton Boogers (Cardiff)
Attendance: 36,920

Play-off semi final second leg


Cardiff City 2 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship Playoff Semi Final)

Cardiff City enjoyed much of the possession by dominating their npower Championship Playoff Semi Final match against a sub-standard Sunderland side.

An error from Cardiff City's Stefan Bjegovic allowed centre-back Jonny Mellor to score a fine header from point-blank range. Striker Zvonko Klevze then equalised for Cardiff City in the 62nd minute with a placed shot.

Experienced midfielder Sellas Yahaya then clinched a late winner on 92 minutes with a powerful close range effort. Yahaya's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Cardiff win 3 - 2 on aggregate.

Man of the Match: Sellas Yahaya (Cardiff)
Attendance: 26,765

[deltablue]

So close to the final.

[SRL88]

Unlucky fella. Definitely a season of 'what if'.

[acidmonkey]

Two more signings, and i think ill do better should challenge the top two next season

[AcidBurn]

Unlucky dude, I think the foundations are there a few more good signings and I can see that promotion happening.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Oh dear. I know that disappointment.

[acidmonkey]

Pre-Season Update

Southend United 0 - 2 Sunderland (Friendly)

An efficient performance by Sunderland's players saw them confidently overcome a lacklustre Southend United 2 - 0 at Roots Hall.

Sunderland finally took the lead when centre-back Pietro Concilio scored a shot from the edge of the area on 43 minutes. Midfielder Tony Agus finally rounded off their victory on 58 minutes with a well timed close range finish.

Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by striker João Reis for a penalty. Things went from bad to worse for Southend United as full-back Hugh Davidson earned himself an early bath for a vicious foul on 81 minutes.

Man of the Match: Rick Dillon (Sunderland)
Attendance: 1,899

Gloucester City 0 - 5 Sunderland (Friendly)

Sunderland fans celebrated an emphatic 5 - 0 win at Whaddon Road this evening. A brace from Luis Alfonso helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Luis Alfonso got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring an incisive finish on 9 minutes. An error from Gloucester City's Bryan Murray allowed midfielder Russell Woodburn to score a close range finish which was timed impeccably. Midfielder Dan Massey's red card for a vicious foul on 14 minutes put Sunderland's position under question.

Luis Alfonso added his 2nd goal of the game with an accurate finish on 30 minutes. Woodburn added his 2nd goal of the game with a fierce shot on 55 minutes.

Young striker Bobby Hamilton completed the rout with an effort from the edge of the area on 87 minutes.

Man of the Match: Russell Woodburn (Sunderland)
Attendance: 2,034

Ebbsfleet United 0 - 4 Sunderland (Friendly)

Fans sang the praises of their heroes at Stonebridge Road as Sunderland ran out 4 - 0 winners over Ebbsfleet United in their latest Friendly fixture. A brace from Joe McCready helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Joe McCready got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring an effort from the edge of the area which hit the inside of the post before crossing the line on 7 minutes. An error from Ebbsfleet United's Daniel Cooper allowed McCready to score a deftly executed finish. Hanley scored with a close range header in the 60th minute to extend the lead further.

Young midfielder Doug Marshall completed the rout with an incisive finish on 89 minutes.

Man of the Match: Joe McCready (Sunderland)
Attendance: 1,888

Rochdale 0 - 6 Sunderland (Friendly)

Sunderland fans celebrated an emphatic 6 - 0 win at Spotland this evening.

The match began in controversy with Sunderland seeing a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Striker João Reis gave Sunderland the lead with a tidy finish in the 27th minute.

Full-back Fernando Lemma doubled Sunderland's lead with a shot from the edge of the area on 32 minutes. Matlak scored with an accurate finish in the 34th minute to extend the lead further.

An error from Rochdale's Ben Nartey allowed striker Luis Alfonso to score a curled effort from eighteen yards. Dowson then increased Sunderland's advantage further with a fine header from point-blank range on 49 minutes.

Young full-back Robbie Williams completed the rout with a freak goal on 91 minutes.

Man of the Match: Fernando Lemma (Sunderland)
Attendance: 2,480

A good pre-season bit annoyed as the assistant manager organized games against rubbish sides I think ill be in charge of organizing games next season, get some games of difficulty maybe a tour or two and not against sides lower down the table, but its all good workout and we built up fitness for the opening league game of the campaign, we did well and the goals were all spread about which is good hopefully we can have another blistering start in the league like last season,


Key dates

Opening game of the season
Walsall Home

Final game of the season
Brighton Away

Derbies
23^rd September Middlesbrough HOME
24^th October Newcastle AWAY
10^th February Middlesbrough AWAY
10^th March Newcastle HOME

[acidmonkey]

Signings

Michal Matlak - Celtic - £250k signed as my scouts give him a rating of "Decent Premiership left winger" he will go straight into the side and will push Lemma for his place, he made 9 starts last season for Celtic getting 2 assists and 1 MoM performance im hoping he does better south of the border, or at least gives me good depth

Menno Smit - Blackburn - £230k i chased Menno last season but Blackburn continually rejected my attempts to sign him but then farmed him on loan to St. Mirren, he helped them gain a 9th place finish, a 32 starts 1 goal, 3 assists 3 MoM performances but he must beat Kyle Walker to the first choice left back slot

Rosario Pappalardo - Malaga £900k helped Malaga to a mid-table finish scored 4 times in 13 games grabbing 1 assist can play up front or in mid-field so i shall be utilizing him as a striker and a midfielder when i need it

[acidmonkey]

August Update

Sunderland 1 - 0 Walsall (npower Championship)

Sunderland taught Walsall a lesson at The Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Sunderland finally took the lead when midfielder Michal Matlak scored a smart diving header from close range on 41 minutes.

Sunderland must have wondered what they had to do to break down their opponents, as time and again they were met by a committed defender eager to block a shot.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 4 years.

Man of the Match: Rick Dillon (Sunderland)
Attendance: 23,668

Norwich City 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Norwich City in a close-fought npower Championship match played at Carrow Road.

Midfielder Joe Hinchliffe gave Norwich City the lead with a tidy finish in the 46th minute. Centre-back Aqir Al-Mamun suffered the agony of putting the ball into his own net after 78 minutes to deny his team the win.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 4 years.

Man of the Match: Carl Preston (Norwich)
Attendance: 24,333

Sunderland 2 - 1 Southampton (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 2 - 1 victory over Southampton on a fine summer's evening in their npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light.

Experienced striker Ben Flanagan got Southampton off to a flyer by scoring a close range header on 5 minutes. Striker Luis Alfonso then equalised for Sunderland in the 23rd minute with a close range finish which was timed impeccably.

The last goal of the game came from experienced centre-back Matthew Avery whose 81st minute own-goal will undoubtedly cause him some embarrassment.

Sunderland are currently on a three match unbeaten run and lie in 3rd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Thomas Nekos (Sunderland)
Attendance: 19,016

Derby County 0 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 3 - 0 winners over Derby County at Pride Park. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Sunderland's Tony Agus.

Things did not get off to a good start for Derby County as midfielder Tony Agus seized on an error by Alex Patterson to score a real poacher's effort. Agus added his 2nd goal of the game with a tidy finish on 30 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 43 minutes as that man Agus popped up again with a real poacher's effort. Derby County were nearly gifted a goal on 83 minutes through Kyle Walker's lapse in concentration but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them.

Sunderland are currently on a four match unbeaten run and lie in 2nd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 26,746

Nuneaton Town 1 - 6 Sunderland (League Cup 2nd Rnd)

Sunderland turned their possession into goals with a 6 - 1 win over Nuneaton Town. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Sunderland's David McDonald.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Nuneaton Town were denied claims by Jonathan Mallinger for a penalty. Striker David McDonald gave Sunderland the lead with an incisive finish in the 29th minute.

McDonald added his 2nd goal of the game with an accurate finish on 40 minutes. Full-back Thomas Nekos' red card for ungentlemanly conduct on 47 minutes put Sunderland's position under question.

When Nekos gave away a penalty, Mallinger confidently stepped up to score from the spot. McDonald added his 3rd goal of the game with a well struck effort on 59 minutes.

Midfielder Tony Agus then added to the lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box on 65 minutes. Pappalardo scored from the penalty spot after Reynolds gave away a penalty. An error from Nuneaton Town's Dale Clough allowed full-back Fernando Lemma to score a poorly struck effort from inside the penalty area.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 1,971

A cracking start to the season for us a little lucky against Norwich but deserved to win all the others, pleased to see our new signings start well, and the old guard (I say old guard Agus is still only 25 and currently has 92 goals in 127 games) and continues to be the main goal scorer for us and long may it continue, it was also good to get two cup wins under our belt, we are 2^nd in the league alongside recently relegated Leicester and also Sheffield United. Two down sides this month are Matlak getting injured in training after staring on his debut he will return in the next week and Agus will return within 9 days both shall return for the game at Brammall Lane

[markyosullivan]

Automatic promotion this season then

[acidmonkey]

Automatic promotion this season then

I hope so!

[acidmonkey]

Unlucky dude, I think the foundations are there a few more good signings and I can see that promotion happening.

I hope your right

Oh dear. I know that disappointment.

is frustrating isnt it? im hoping to progress this year

[acidmonkey]

September Update

Sunderland 3 - 1 Plymouth Argyle (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 1 winners over Plymouth Argyle at The Stadium of Light.

An error from Plymouth Argyle's James Adams allowed striker David McDonald to score a finish tucked away with consummate ease. Full-back Kyle Walker doubled Sunderland's lead with a real poacher's effort on 40 minutes.

Enthusiastic centre-back Rick Dillon was left red-faced in the 48th minute as he managed to put the ball into his own net. Towering striker Rosario Pappalardo completed the scoring for Sunderland with a finish executed with aplomb on 87 minutes.

Sunderland have notched up three straight wins and lie in 2nd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Rosario Pappalardo (Sunderland)
Attendance: 24,110

Sheffield United 0 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 1 - 0 victory over Sheffield United on a hard and bouncy surface in their npower Championship game at Bramall Lane.

Striker David McDonald gave Sunderland the lead with a header in the 34th minute. With Sheffield United staring at defeat, there was controversy as full-back Marc Lonsdale then had a penalty shout turned down.

Both teams had a number of attempts at goal, which promised much, but the quality of finishing was poor throughout.

Sunderland have notched up four straight wins and lie in 2nd place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Menno Smit (Sunderland)
Attendance: 22,861

Sunderland 1 - 2 Middlesbrough (npower Championship)

A fine summer's evening at The Stadium of Light saw Middlesbrough come out on top against a surprisingly lacklustre Sunderland side.

The match began in controversy with Middlesbrough seeing a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Midfielder Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a well executed finish in the 13th minute.

Centre-back Joey van Dam then equalised for Middlesbrough in the 63rd minute with a fine header from point-blank range. Striker Michael Holmes then clinched a late winner on 92 minutes with a fluke goal.

Holmes' impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Man of the Match: Joey van Dam (Middlesbrough)
Attendance: 37,188

Charlton Athletic 1 - 0 Sunderland (League Cup 3rd Rnd)

Despite battling hard Sunderland were unable to prevent a superior Charlton Athletic side coming away from The Valley with a 1 - 0 victory.

Charlton Athletic's winner came through Lefteris Neokleous as he seized on Jonny Mellor's mistake to score a real poacher's effort.

Both teams had a number of attempts at goal, which promised much, but the quality of finishing was poor throughout.

Man of the Match: Lefteris Neokleous (Charlton)
Attendance: 10,184

Queens Park Rangers 3 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were on the end of a deserved defeat at Loftus Road as they were completely outplayed by their opponents.

Full-back Thomas Nekos suffered the ignominy of scoring a calamitous own goal in the 41st minute on the clock. Experienced striker Brinsley Brodie doubled Queens Park Rangers' lead with an accurate finish on 63 minutes.

Centre-back Jonny Mellor gave the Sunderland fans a glimmer of hope after 66 minutes with a simple finish from close in. Midfielder Brian Cox completed the scoring for Queens Park Rangers with a tidy finish on 94 minutes.

Sunderland have dropped four places to 6th in the npower Championship, with teams such as West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough and Gillingham climbing above them.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 14,032

Well it had to come and sooner the better we tasted defeat losing to a injury time strike from Middlesbrough and we should have got at least a point, the defeat to Charlton was unlucky we battled hard and could have forced extra time but we were unlucky and go out of the 3^rd round which is no disgrace, in my heart I want automatic promotion, but my head says another crack at the play-offs this year then next year will be the year for automatic promotion. Also for some reason my assistant seems to think Agus is a right winger now for some reason not bad as back up but hes our goalscorer,

[acidmonkey]

October Update

Sunderland 2 - 1 Blackpool (npower Championship)

Sunderland produced a tremendous performance at The Stadium of Light to gain a 2 - 1 victory over Blackpool.

Striker Didier Vincent gave Blackpool the lead with a tidy finish in the 36th minute. Centre-back Jonny Mellor then equalised for Sunderland in the 38th minute with a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by midfielder Russell Woodburn for a penalty. Full-back Fernando Lemma scored what proved to be the winner on 72 minutes with a close range effort.

Sunderland have climbed above Middlesbrough and Brighton and Hove Albion to 4th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 19,427

Leicester City 1 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland's players and fans came away highly disappointed from their 1 - 0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City.

Experienced winger Ola Knai got Leicester City off to a flyer by scoring a finish tucked away with consummate ease on 7 minutes.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Sunderland have dropped one place to 5th in the npower Championship, with Middlesbrough climbing above them.

Man of the Match: Ola Knai (Leicester)
Attendance: 14,994

Sunderland 2 - 3 Watford (npower Championship)

A fine autumn afternoon at The Stadium of Light saw Watford come out on top against a surprisingly lacklustre Sunderland side.

The match began in controversy with Sunderland seeing a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Striker Marko Mihajlovic gave Watford the lead with a close range header in the 36th minute.

Striker Luis Alfonso then equalised for Sunderland in the 51st minute with a deftly executed finish. Midfielder Dean McBride then put Watford in front after 61 minutes with a deftly executed finish.

Sunderland's equaliser came through Dan Massey as he seized on Craig Barrett's mistake to score a penalty. Watford captain Tapiwa Dube then clinched a late winner on 88 minutes with a close range header.

Dube's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Sunderland have dropped two places to 8th in the npower Championship, with Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield United climbing above them.

Man of the Match: Dean McBride (Watford)
Attendance: 23,033

Newcastle United 2 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland won a hard fought battle against Newcastle United on a fine autumn evening at St. James' Park. A brace from Rosario Pappalardo helped Sunderland to victory.

Midfielder Michal Matlak gave Sunderland the lead with a deftly executed finish in the 21st minute. Newcastle United's equaliser came through Dwight Weibolt as he seized on Dan Massey's mistake to score a penalty. Towering striker Rosario Pappalardo then put Sunderland in front after 36 minutes with a freak goal.

Weibolt equalised for Newcastle United in the 50th minute with a real poacher's effort. Sunderland's winner came through Pappalardo as he seized on Armando Martinez's mistake to score a fluke goal. Midfielder Leo Odelusi then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Sunderland another goal on 84 minutes.

Sunderland have climbed above Sheff Utd to 7th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Rosario Pappalardo (Sunderland)
Attendance: 31,404

Sunderland 0 - 1 Ipswich Town (npower Championship)

A fine autumn afternoon at The Stadium of Light saw Ipswich Town come out on top against a surprisingly lacklustre Sunderland side.

Centre-back Jonny Mellor was left red-faced in the 22nd minute as he managed to put the ball into his own net.

Both teams had a number of attempts at goal, which promised much, but the quality of finishing was poor throughout.

Sunderland have dropped one place to 8th in the npower Championship, with Crewe climbing above them.

Man of the Match: Trevor Craddock (Ipswich)
Attendance: 22,720

A poor month again for us, as we slip down the league I’m happy we got 3 points from the mags, unfortunately that’s all I can be happy about as we were poor otherwise, next month should be better as we play sides towards the bottom I need to up morale and get us back into the groove oh well onwards n upwards!

[acidmonkey]

November Update

Rotherham United 2 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland will be wondering what might have been this morning after a close encounter with Rotherham turned into a 2 - 0 victory for their opponents.

Centre-back Colin Hasell gave Rotherham United the lead with a close range header in the 60th minute. The last goal of the game came from full-back Thomas Nekos whose 67th minute own-goal will undoubtedly cause him some embarrassment.

Sunderland have dropped two places to 10th in the npower Championship, with Watford and Crewe Alexandra climbing above them.

Man of the Match: Colin Hasell (Rotherham)
Attendance: 6,630

Sunderland 3 - 0 Birmingham City (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 0 winners over Birmingham City at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Tony Agus helped Sunderland to victory.

Midfielder Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a cleanly struck effort from close to goal in the 16th minute. Agus added his 2nd goal of the game with a deftly executed finish on 50 minutes.

Centre-back Rick Dillon completed the rout with a close range header on 63 minutes.

Sunderland have climbed above Ipswich to 9th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 20,279

Stevenage 0 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 3 - 0 winners over Stevenage at Broadhall Way.

Striker Luis Alfonso gave Sunderland the lead with an accurate finish in the 25th minute. Full-back Fernando Lemma doubled Sunderland's lead with an effort from the edge of the area on 35 minutes.

Midfielder Tony Agus completed the rout with a simple finish from close in on 78 minutes.

Sunderland have climbed above Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town to 8th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Kyle Walker (Sunderland)
Attendance: 5,841

Gillingham 2 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

After a 2 - 2 draw at Priestfield against Sunderland, a key member of the Gillingham side claimed that his team were fortunate to escape from this npower Championship fixture with a draw.

Things did not get off to a good start for Sunderland as striker Prince Sodje seized on an error by Jonny Mellor to score a placed shot. With Sunderland staring at defeat, there was controversy as striker Luis Alfonso then had a penalty shout turned down.

An error from Sunderland's Jonny Mellor allowed striker Ray Collins to score a solid diving header. Midfielder Tony Agus pulled one back for Sunderland after 70 minutes with a deftly executed finish.

Luis Alfonso went on to equalise for Sunderland after 74 minutes with a placed shot.

Sunderland are currently on a three match unbeaten run and lie in 8th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 8,170

A decent enough month I’m proud of the lads to turn around our slump to back to back 3-0 wins plus the fightback from 2-0 down against Gillingham and im hoping to use it as a springboard to get us up the table and back into the play-off spots I think unless the second half of the season is a rush of points in the second half the season I feel a play-off spot is best I can hope for due to the poor results I’ve hand the past few months, Agus even had a goal drought but seems to have started finding the net again and long may it continue. Injuries are an issue for us this year as we always seem to have 4 players injured at any one time, I’m also hoping this improves.

[acidmonkey]

December Update

Sunderland 3 - 1 Bradford City (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 1 winners over Bradford City at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Rosario Pappalardo helped Sunderland to victory.

Midfielder Alex Villerman got Bradford City off to a flyer by scoring an accurate finish on 7 minutes. Sunderland also saw their 20th minute strike questionably chalked off.

Towering striker Rosario Pappalardo then equalised for Sunderland in the 35th minute with an accurate finish from inside the penalty area. Pappalardo then added his 2nd goal of the game with an effort which hit the inside of the post before crossing the line on 57 minutes.

Striker David McDonald completed the scoring for Sunderland with a real poacher's effort on 78 minutes.

Sunderland are currently on a four match unbeaten run and lie in 6th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Rosario Pappalardo (Sunderland)
Attendance: 22,665

Sunderland 3 - 0 Crewe Alexandra (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 0 winners over Crewe Alexandra at The Stadium of Light.

Sunderland finally took the lead when midfielder Tony Agus scored a strong diving header on 48 minutes. Towering striker Rosario Pappalardo doubled Sunderland's lead with a real poacher's effort on 63 minutes.

Striker Luis Alfonso completed the rout with a cleanly struck effort from close to goal on 80 minutes.

Sunderland are currently on a five match unbeaten run and lie in 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Dan Massey (Sunderland)
Attendance: 20,351

Oxford United 1 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 3 - 1 winners over Oxford United at The Kassam Stadium. A brace from Jonny Mellor helped Sunderland to victory.

Oxford captain Ashley Haran got Oxford United off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 3 minutes. Centre-back Jonny Mellor then equalised for Sunderland in the 6th minute with a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

Mellor then added his 2nd goal of the game with a close range header on 58 minutes. Things went from bad to worse for Oxford United as centre-back Louis Hancock earned himself an early bath for ungentlemanly conduct on 89 minutes.

Mellor then had a chance to score from the penalty spot on the 90 minute mark but missed his spot-kick. An error from Oxford United's Kristian Rigby allowed centre-back Rick Dillon to score a well timed close range finish.

Sunderland have notched up three straight wins and lie in 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 8,374

Sunderland 1 - 0 Barnsley (npower Championship)

Sunderland taught Barnsley a lesson at The Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Striker David McDonald got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a placed shot on 4 minutes.

Sunderland were often prevented from playing as they wanted to due to the number of fouls committed by their enthusiastic opponents.

Sunderland have notched up four straight wins and lie in 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,391

West Bromwich Albion 0 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Following their 0 - 0 draw with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns, an ex-Sunderland player claimed that his former team must improve if they are to succeed this season.

The first noteworthy incident of the match proved to be controversial, with West Bromwich Albion seeing a goal disallowed.

Sunderland were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.

Sunderland are currently on an eight match unbeaten run and lie in 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Manuel Serra (Sunderland)
Attendance: 17,147

Sunderland 2 - 0 Brighton and Hove Albion (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 2 - 0 winners over Brighton and Hove Albion at The Stadium of Light.

With the game nearing an end, it was Jonny Mellor who scored a good header from just inside the six-yard box to give Sunderland the lead on 80 minutes. The Sunderland fans might have been forgiven for thinking that their side would be happy with just the winner but the scoring wasn't over.

Striker David McDonald finally rounded off their victory on 90 minutes with a deftly executed finish.

Sunderland are currently on a nine match unbeaten run and lie in 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 20,213

Walsall 0 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 2 - 0 winners over Walsall at The Bescot Stadium.

Striker Luis Alfonso got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a powerful effort on 6 minutes. Luis Alfonso completed the scoring for Sunderland with a close range finish which was timed impeccably on 69 minutes.

Sunderland have not conceded for four matches and find themselves in 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Luis Alfonso (Sunderland)
Attendance: 8,155

Table after 24 Games

1^st QPR 51 Points
2^nd West Brom 51 Points
3^rd Leicster 50 Points
4^th Brighton 49 Points
5^th Sunderland 48 Points
6^th Ipswich 47 Points
7^th Crewe 41 Points


A great month for us in whch we have gone from just outside the play-offs and the best we can hope for is a play-off spot to just outside the top two with an outside chance of the title, id be chuffed if we managed it after the start we had where it looked bad but we do over the next few months have to play the sides around us, im hoping we don’t end up with any injuries or suspensions so we can still continue the momentum that we have. Agus continues to be our top scorer despite being deployed quite a bit right wing but it’s the points on the board I’m bothered about

[Fabio MVP]

Rosario Pappalardo looks very good.

[acidmonkey]

Rosario Pappalardo looks very good.

I know but i started a auction for him with Liverpool and Parma, he left begining of January for the following deal:

£5m up front
£2.5m after 10 International appearances (i wanted £10m but Parma offered £2.5m and Liverpool offered £2m)
40% of next sale
and a £10m Buy back clause (which i will never be able to use but you know just in case he is only 23


and the board only gave me £1m to spend so his replacement was a free transfer called Darcy and the return of Dowson from Gateshead after he spend a 5 month loan there

[Fabio MVP]

I know but i started a auction for him with Liverpool and Parma, he left begining of January for the following deal:

£5m up front
£2.5m after 10 International appearances (i wanted £10m but Parma offered £2.5m and Liverpool offered £2m)
40% of next sale
and a £10m Buy back clause (which i will never be able to use but you know just in case he is only 23


and the board only gave me £1m to spend so his replacement was a free transfer called Darcy and the return of Dowson from Gateshead after he spend a 5 month loan there

I don't think that's the best piece of business to be honest. I'd rather keep him than sell him given that you aren't able to replace him with someone who is anywhere near as good as he is.

[acidmonkey]

being in the championship it was only a matter of time before he wanted out, so i took the money and ran if i get more money in the summer he will have funded a route into the premier league hopefully

[acidmonkey]

January Update

Sunderland 1 - 0 Norwich City (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 1 - 0 victory over Norwich City on a fine afternoon in their npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light.

The first incident of note was on 74 minutes as Sunderland were denied claims by Pietro Concilio for a penalty. Goalkeeper Jack Brittain was left red-faced in the 74th minute as he managed to put the ball into his own net.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Sunderland have notched up three straight wins and lie in 5th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Thomas Nekos (Sunderland)
Attendance: 21,505

Middlesbrough 2 - 1 Sunderland (FA Cup 3rd Rnd)

Middlesbrough battled their way to a 2 - 1 victory in this evenly-matched contest between two hard-working teams.

The match started tentatively for Sunderland with Joey van Dam nearly handing the opposition the lead on 12 minutes. Then followed controversy as Middlesbrough were denied claims by midfielder Jamal Baverstock for a penalty.

Striker Luis Alfonso gave Sunderland the lead with a well timed close range finish in the 45th minute. Striker Michael Holmes then equalised for Middlesbrough in the 51st minute with a deftly executed finish from eighteen yards.

Middlesbrough captain Eden Kimwaki scored what proved to be the winner on 77 minutes with a close range header.

Man of the Match: Eden Kimwaki (Middlesbrough)
Attendance: 19,536

Southampton 0 - 4 Sunderland (npower Championship)

The final score of 4 - 0 was fully deserved as Sunderland totally controlled their npower Championship game against Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium. A brace from Dan Massey helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker David McDonald got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 2 minutes. Midfielder Dan Massey doubled Sunderland's lead with a free kick from the edge of the area on 30 minutes.

Agus scored with a well executed finish in the 61st minute to extend the lead further. With Southampton staring at defeat, there was controversy as striker Dave Templeton then had a penalty shout turned down.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 67 minutes as that man Massey popped up again with a real poacher's effort.

Sunderland have notched up four straight wins and the promotion contenders lie in 4th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Dan Massey (Sunderland)
Attendance: 15,732

Sunderland 0 - 1 Derby County (npower Championship)

After appearing to just have the edge in this hard-fought battle, Sunderland's players and fans will be very disappointed to have lost 1 - 0 to a Derby County team they consider to be their equal.

Striker Michael Chandler gave Derby County the lead with a fierce shot in the 15th minute.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Sunderland are currently in 4th place, six points behind league leaders West Brom.

Man of the Match: Thomas Nekos (Sunderland)
Attendance: 27,195

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Plymouth Argyle in a close-fought npower Championship match played at Home Park.

Winger Noel Vincent got Plymouth Argyle off to a flyer by scoring a curling shot on 3 minutes. Striker David McDonald equalised for Sunderland after 74 minutes with a powerful effort.

Sunderland are currently in 4th place, six points behind league leaders West Brom.

Man of the Match: Noel Vincent (Plymouth)
Attendance: 15,003

Table after 28 games

1^st West Brom 61 Points
2^nd Leicester 58 Points
3^rd QPR 58 Points
4^th Sunderland 55 Points
5^th Ipswich 54 Points
6^th Brighton 53 Points
7^th Rotherham 49 Points


Seven points from 12 this month kept me a decent position for the play-offs, we should have had more but for injuries as we went down to a poor goal against Derby then conceded another sloppy goal against Plymouth even though the gap widens between us and the top two the play-offs are the important one we should get better as the players get fitter, as we currently have 10 players out injured but they are getting fitter and most should be back in the next couple of weeks

[SRL88]

Still plenty of time left for things to change. Hopefully them injuries wont be to much of a problem.

[acidmonkey]

February Update

Sunderland 1 - 0 Sheffield United (npower Championship)

Sunderland taught Sheffield United a lesson at The Stadium of Light this evening.

Striker Anthony Darcy gave Sunderland the lead with an accurate finish which went in off the post in the 36th minute.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Sunderland are currently in 4th place, four points behind league leaders West Brom.

Man of the Match: Menno Smit (Sunderland)
Attendance: 22,923

Middlesbrough 1 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 2 - 1 victory over Middlesbrough on a fine evening in their npower Championship game at The Riverside Stadium.

Striker Luis Alfonso got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a powerful effort from the edge of the area on 5 minutes. Middlesbrough's Peycho Stefanov received the red card for a professional foul with 12 minutes on the clock.

Midfielder Dan Massey then saw a penalty smack the bar on the 13 minute mark. Middlesbrough captain Eden Kimwaki then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Sunderland another goal on 23 minutes.

Massey had a chance to score from the penalty spot on the 42 minute mark but his spot-kick was well saved. Striker Anthony Darcy doubled Sunderland's lead with a deftly executed finish from close range on 50 minutes.

Striker Ashley Evans' 62nd minute strike proved the only consolation for Middlesbrough.

Sunderland are currently on a three match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 4th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Anthony Darcy (Sunderland)
Attendance: 24,076

Sunderland 1 - 2 Queens Park Rangers (npower Championship)

A fine spring afternoon at The Stadium of Light saw Queens Park Rangers come out on top against a surprisingly lacklustre Sunderland side.

Striker Anthony Darcy gave Sunderland the lead with an effort which hit the inside of the post before crossing the line in the 11th minute. Midfielder Jim Came then equalised for Queens Park Rangers in the 43rd minute with an effort from the edge of the area which curled past the goalkeeper.

Queens Park Rangers' winner came through Grzegorz Wozniak as he seized on Jonny Mellor's mistake to score a diving header from within the six-yard box.

Sunderland are currently in 4th place, five points behind league leaders West Brom.

Man of the Match: Jim Came (Q.P.R.)
Attendance: 24,030

Blackpool 3 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland failed to cause an upset at Bloomfield Road as Blackpool coasted to an expected 3 - 0 victory.

Experienced centre-back Keith Williams gave Blackpool the lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box in the 22nd minute. Midfielder Mark Dowie doubled Blackpool's lead with a well executed finish on 42 minutes.

Midfielder John Roberts completed the rout with a placed shot from close range on 84 minutes.

Sunderland are currently in 4th place, eight points behind league leaders West Brom.

Man of the Match: Mark Dowie (Blackpool)
Attendance: 6,437

Watford 2 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Watford enjoyed a comfortable 2 - 0 victory over Sunderland. The win was deserved for Watford who turned their superiority into goals in the npower Championship game at Vicarage Road.

An error from Sunderland's Jonny Mellor allowed Watford captain Tapiwa Dube to score an audacious lob from the edge of the area. Striker Brad Thorpe finally rounded off their victory on 90 minutes with a close range finish which was timed impeccably.

Sunderland have now suffered three straight defeats and the promotion contenders find themselves in 4th place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Manuel Serra (Sunderland)
Attendance: 10,762

League Table after 33 games

1^st West Brom 70 Points
2^nd QPR 68 Points
3^rd Leicester 62 Points
4^th Sunderland 61 Points
5^th Brighton 59 Points
6^th Watford 57 Points
7^th Ipswich 57 Points

Well that was a disappointing end to the month three defeats hit hard and it made us wobble, and we sit 4 points ahead of 7^th and we should be able to stay in the play-offs, the top two seem a mile off now being 7-9 points clear of us the best we can hope for is a good draw in the play-offs, new signing Darcy has 3 goals in his 7 games he is only improving as he finds his feet, ive started planning for next season signing players to fill gaps in my squad and add depth they all have the quality to play in the premiership if need be but I think I may end up with another year of championship football till we can find the consistency needed to get promoted.

[acidmonkey]

March Update

Sunderland 1 - 1 Leicester City (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Leicester City in a close-fought npower Championship match played at The Stadium of Light.

Striker Ryan Russell gave Leicester City the lead with a tidy finish in the 32nd minute. Sunderland's equaliser came through Tony Agus as he seized on Manuel Pereira's mistake to score a tap-in. Better late than never for Sunderland and the fans were clearly delighted with Agus' impact.

Sunderland are currently in 4th place, eleven points behind league leaders West Brom.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 24,850

Sunderland 3 - 0 Newcastle United (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 3 - 0 winners over Newcastle United at The Stadium of Light.

Sunderland finally took the lead when midfielder Michal Matlak scored a tidy finish on 59 minutes. Midfielder Tony Agus doubled Sunderland's lead with a well timed close range finish on 64 minutes.

Striker Luis Alfonso completed the rout with a placed shot on 89 minutes.

Sunderland have climbed above Brighton to 4th in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Michal Matlak (Sunderland)
Attendance: 36,512

Ipswich Town 1 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Ipswich Town battled their way to a 1 - 0 victory in this evenly-matched contest between two hard-working teams.

Striker James Barnett gave Ipswich Town the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 54th minute.

Sunderland may well look back on the number of shots they took from long range and rue their decisions, as they often proved wasteful.

Sunderland are currently in 4th place, fourteen points behind league leaders West Brom.

Man of the Match: James Barnett (Ipswich)
Attendance: 13,642

Birmingham City 0 - 0 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland fans will have been frustrated by their side's 0 - 0 draw with Birmingham City at St. Andrews.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Sunderland were denied claims by Luis Alfonso for a penalty. Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by centre-back Ben Larbi for a penalty.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Sunderland are currently in 4th place, sixteen points behind league leaders West Brom.

Man of the Match: Dan Massey (Sunderland)
Attendance: 16,318

Table after 39 games

1^st West Brom 86 Points
2^nd QPR 76 Points
3^rd Leicester 76 Point
4^th Sunderland 72 Points
5^th Brighton 69 Points
6^th Ipswich 66 Points
7^th Gillingham 64 Points


Well the title dream is over, we are now 14 points behind with 21 points to pick up that gap is too great while we have performed miracles in the past few years to get to the edge of the premier league the Championship title is just too far away. We continue plodding away for the play-off spots though and we are doing well 6 points inside the play-offs we should do it with ease and I fully expect us to be playing a playoff semi final at the end of the season.

[SRL88]

As long as you get promoted at the end of the day that is all that matters.

[acidmonkey]

End of Season Update

Sunderland 1 - 3 Gillingham (npower Championship)

Despite having the better of the match at The Stadium of Light, Sunderland were unable to profit as they went down to Gillingham. The greater incisiveness of the victors resulted in a comfortable 3 - 1 scoreline against Sunderland, who failed to turn their superior possession into goals.

Striker Ray Collins gave Gillingham the lead with a close range header in the 35th minute. Midfielder Plínio doubled Gillingham's lead with a powerful effort on 53 minutes.

Kadric scored with a simple finish from close in in the 71st minute to extend the lead further. Striker Luis Alfonso pulled one back for Sunderland after 82 minutes with a fine header from point-blank range.

Sunderland are currently in 4th place, seventeen points behind league leaders West Brom.

Man of the Match: Ray Collins (Gillingham)
Attendance: 28,488

Bradford City 2 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Bradford City in a close-fought npower Championship match played at Valley Parade.

Midfielder Michal Matlak got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 9 minutes. Striker Lee Hodgson then equalised for Bradford City in the 55th minute with a real poacher's effort.

Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by striker Luis Alfonso for a penalty. Bradford City's Bienvenu Mvete received the red card for a professional foul with 74 minutes on the clock.

An error from Bradford City's Andrew Haddrell allowed striker David McDonald to score a placed shot. The Sunderland fans might have hoped that McDonald had scored the winner but it was not to be.

Striker Lee Brown equalised for Bradford City after 85 minutes with a cleanly struck effort from close to goal. Better late than never for Bradford City and the fans were clearly delighted with Brown's impact.

With not long to go until the end of the season, Sunderland are currently lying in 4th place in the npower Championship with 73 points from 41 matches.

Man of the Match: Lee Hodgson (Bradford)
Attendance: 14,759

Crewe Alexandra 4 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland will be wondering what might have been this morning after a close encounter with Crewe turned into a 4 - 2 victory for their opponents. A brace from Dom Whitworth helped Crewe to victory.

Striker Augusto Paulo got Crewe Alexandra off to a flyer by scoring a well timed finish from close range on 7 minutes. Winger Dom Whitworth doubled Crewe Alexandra's lead with a placed shot on 47 minutes.

Striker Luis Alfonso pulled one back for Sunderland after 54 minutes with a powerful close range effort. Grimshaw scored from the penalty spot after Mellor gave away a penalty. Crewe Alexandra's Christopher Bracewell was back in the dressing room after earning himself a second yellow card in the 76th minute.

Whitworth added his 2nd goal of the game with a finish tucked away with consummate ease on 78 minutes. It was a superb solo effort and Whitworth looked delighted. Luis Alfonso grabbed a consolation effort for Sunderland on 84 minutes with a deftly executed finish but it was too little, too late.

With not long to go until the end of the season, Sunderland are currently lying in 5th place in the npower Championship with 73 points from 42 matches.

Man of the Match: Dom Whitworth (Crewe)
Attendance: 10,109

Barnsley 5 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland will be wondering what might have been this morning after a close encounter with Barnsley turned into a 5 - 3 victory for their opponents. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Barnsley's John Harrington.

Striker Anthony Darcy got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a good header from just inside the six-yard box after just one minute. Striker Kenny Ferguson then equalised for Barnsley in the 21st minute with an accurate finish from just outside the penalty area.

Striker Robert Hooper put Barnsley in front in the 25th minute with a well struck effort from the edge of the box. Striker David McDonald then equalised for Sunderland in the 44th minute with a finish executed with aplomb.

Barnsley captain John Harrington put Barnsley in front in the 53rd minute with an effort from the edge of the area. Full-back Radosav Miletic was left red-faced in the 57th minute as he managed to put the ball into his own net.

Harrington then added his 2nd goal of the game with an effort from the edge of the area on 61 minutes. Harrington completed the scoring for Barnsley with a free kick from the edge of the area on 79 minutes.

With not long to go until the end of the season, Sunderland are currently lying in 5th place in the npower Championship with 76 points from 44 matches.

Man of the Match: John Harrington (Barnsley)
Attendance: 15,350
Sunderland 3 - 4 West Bromwich Albion (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled away against West Bromwich Albion and looked very impressive despite their unlucky 4 - 3 defeat.

West Brom captain Eddie Akehurst gave West Bromwich Albion the lead with a close range header in the 12th minute. Centre-back Jonny Mellor then equalised for Sunderland in the 32nd minute with a close range header.

Striker Ross Shearer then put West Bromwich Albion in front after 52 minutes with a tap-in. Krcic scored with a real poacher's effort in the 67th minute to extend the lead further.

Striker Anthony Darcy gave the Sunderland fans a glimmer of hope after 71 minutes with a placed shot. Midfielder Tony Agus then equalised for Sunderland in the 83rd minute with a placed shot.

Then followed controversy as West Bromwich Albion were denied claims by Akehurst for a penalty. Striker Adolfo Galeano then clinched a late winner on 93 minutes with an incisive finish.

Galeano's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

With not long to go until the end of the season, Sunderland are currently lying in 6th place in the npower Championship with 76 points from 45 matches.

Man of the Match: Ross Shearer (West Brom)
Attendance: 26,631

Brighton and Hove Albion 2 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland could count themselves somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw against Brighton and Hove Albion in their npower Championship game at American Express Community Stadium.

Midfielder Tony Agus got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring an eighteen-yard screamer on 2 minutes. Midfielder Leo Ugljesic then equalised for Brighton and Hove Albion in the 41st minute with an incisive finish.

Agus then added his 2nd goal of the game with a placed shot from close range on 45 minutes. Midfielder Bobby-Joe Dyer equalised for Brighton and Hove Albion after 65 minutes with a firm diving header from inside the six-yard box.

Full-back Nick Peake's red card for ungentlemanly conduct on 66 minutes put Brighton and Hove Albion's position under question.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 5 years.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 22,500

We had a poor end to the season and there is A LOT of work left to do going into the play-offs and even more work to do next season regardless of the league I’m in next season, going into the last game of the season it still wasn’t guaranteed that we would be getting a play-off spot, we need to gel the players in quickly! I need a centre back a Defensive midfielders and any attacking players that take my fancy this season, it will also be dependant on any money the club give me to spend otherwise ill be left needing to sell to improve, there is already a couple of players I intend to let go as theywont be needed next season and ill be trying to ship them out as quick as possible. And we ended up with the hardest play-off tie against QPR.

[acidmonkey]

End of season




Top Scorer - Him again!


Alfonso 14
McDonald 13

[acidmonkey]

Play-Offs Update



Sunderland 1 - 3 Queens Park Rangers (npower Championship Playoff Semi Final)

Sunderland were on the end of a deserved defeat at The Stadium of Light as they were completely outplayed by their opponents.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Sunderland were denied claims by Anthony Darcy for a penalty. Midfielder Kenny Ormrod gave Queens Park Rangers the lead with a deftly executed finish in the 25th minute.

Things went from bad to worse for Sunderland as centre-back Rick Dillon earned himself an early bath for ungentlemanly conduct on 50 minutes. Experienced striker Brinsley Brodie doubled Queens Park Rangers' lead with a tidy finish on 54 minutes.

Queens Park Rangers also saw their 64th minute strike questionably chalked off. Johnson scored with an accurate finish from inside the penalty area in the 67th minute to extend the lead further.

Young midfielder Peter Dowson pulled one back for Sunderland after 73 minutes with a real poacher's effort.

Man of the Match: Colin Johnson (Q.P.R.)
Attendance: 35,179



Queens Park Rangers 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship Playoff Semi Final)

Sunderland could count themselves somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw against Queens Park Rangers in their npower Championship Playoff Semi Final game at Loftus Road.

Striker Brian Cox got Queens Park Rangers off to a flyer by scoring a real poacher's effort on 5 minutes. Centre-back Pietro Concilio equalised for Sunderland after 9 minutes with a fine header from point-blank range.

Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by full-back Menno Smit for a penalty.

Q.P.R. win 4 - 2 on aggregate.

Man of the Match: Pietro Concilio (Sunderland)
Attendance: 18,200

[acidmonkey]

Another season of play-off heartache for us, we have work to do for next season.

[acidmonkey]

Another of our summer signings leaves for massive profit.
first Pappalardo
and now Smit
signed for £230k he made 46 league appearances for the club, and will sign for Beskitas for £3m im well stocked at left back so wont need to replace him.

[acidmonkey]

Pre-Season Update

Sunderland 2 - 1 Celtic (Friendly)

Sunderland won a hard fought battle against Celtic on a fine summer's evening at The Stadium of Light. A brace from João Reis helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Steven Moffat gave Celtic the lead with a tidy finish in the 16th minute. Striker João Reis then equalised for Sunderland in the 61st minute with an effort from the edge of the area which curled past the goalkeeper.

Reis scored what proved to be the winner in the 64th minute with a well struck effort.

Man of the Match: João Reis (Sunderland)
Attendance: 7,833

Académica 0 - 4 Sunderland (Friendly)

Sunderland fans celebrated an emphatic 4 - 0 win at Estádio Cidade de Coimbra this evening. A brace from David McDonald helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker David McDonald gave Sunderland the lead with a deftly executed finish in the 31st minute. McDonald added his 2nd goal of the game with a tap-in on 58 minutes.

Dillon scored with a close range finish which was timed impeccably in the 63rd minute to extend the lead further. Midfielder Tony Agus completed the rout with a well timed close range finish on 72 minutes.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 1,638

Sunderland 0 - 1 Burnley (Friendly)

Burnley battled their way to a 1 - 0 victory in this evenly-matched contest between two hard-working teams.

Centre-back David Swift got Burnley off to a flyer by scoring a close range effort on 10 minutes.

Both teams had a number of attempts at goal, which promised much, but the quality of finishing was poor throughout.

Man of the Match: David Swift (Burnley)
Attendance: 5,953

Portsmouth 1 - 2 Sunderland (Friendly)

Sunderland showed their superiority in a 2 - 1 victory over Portsmouth during their Friendly game at Fratton Park, but they could and should have scored more. A brace from Tony Agus helped Sunderland to victory.

The match began in controversy with Portsmouth seeing a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Midfielder Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a placed shot in the 16th minute.

Winger Vladimir Muhovic then equalised for Portsmouth in the 44th minute with a well timed finish from close range. Agus scored what proved to be the winner on 56 minutes with a fierce shot.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 3,716

Dungannon Swifts 0 - 3 Sunderland (Friendly)

Sunderland enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Dungannon Swifts side at Stangmore Park this evening. A brace from Luis Alfonso helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Luis Alfonso gave Sunderland the lead with a well struck effort from the edge of the box in the 23rd minute. Luis Alfonso added his 2nd goal of the game with an incisive finish on 40 minutes.

Striker Adam Lake completed the rout with an incisive finish on 75 minutes.

Man of the Match: Luis Alfonso (Sunderland)
Attendance: 1,827

A solid pre-season for us only a few signings this summer for me as we only needed one or two players to add to our quality, I have a good feeling we beat Celtic quite comfortably and they are the reigning SPL champions but enough of that the real work all starts in august against Walsall

[acidmonkey]

August Update

Walsall 0 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 1 - 0 victory over Walsall on a hard and bouncy surface in their npower Championship game at The Bescot Stadium.

Midfielder Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a well struck effort in the 24th minute. Full-back Jon Smart then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Sunderland another goal on 65 minutes.

Sunderland covered a lot of ground but also conceded far too many fouls, meaning their effort was often for nothing.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 5 years.

Man of the Match: Joshua Roberts (Sunderland)
Attendance: 10,989

Gateshead 0 - 3 Sunderland (League Cup 1st Rnd)

An efficient performance by Sunderland's players saw them confidently overcome a lacklustre Gateshead 3 - 0 at The International Stadium. A brace from Anthony Darcy helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Anthony Darcy gave Sunderland the lead with a tame effort from close to goal in the 38th minute. Striker Luis Alfonso doubled Sunderland's lead with a close range effort on 52 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 76 minutes as that man Darcy popped up again with a placed shot. With Gateshead staring at defeat, there was controversy as striker Andrew Reynolds then had a penalty shout turned down.

Man of the Match: Anthony Darcy (Sunderland)
Attendance: 3,469

Sunderland 3 - 0 Norwich City (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 0 winners over Norwich City at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Anthony Darcy helped Sunderland to victory.

Striker Anthony Darcy gave Sunderland the lead with a well struck effort in the 12th minute. Striker Adam Lake doubled Sunderland's lead with a poorly struck effort from inside the penalty area on 28 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 38 minutes as that man Darcy popped up again with a placed shot.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 5 years.

Man of the Match: Anthony Darcy (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,952

Leeds United 1 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 1 winners over Leeds United at Elland Road. A brace from Tony Agus helped Sunderland to victory.

Midfielder Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a deftly executed finish from close range in the 16th minute. Agus added his 2nd goal of the game with a tidy finish on 55 minutes.

Roberts scored with a fine header from point-blank range in the 73rd minute to extend the lead further. Young centre-back Mark Adamson pulled one back for Leeds United after 87 minutes with a header.

Sunderland have notched up three straight wins and lie in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 17,552

Sunderland 2 - 1 Burnley (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 2 - 1 victory over Burnley on a fine summer's afternoon in their npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light.

Striker Elliot Stowell gave Burnley the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 16th minute. Sunderland's equaliser came through Joshua Roberts as he seized on Mark Lindsay's mistake to score a close range finish which was timed impeccably. Striker Anthony Darcy scored what proved to be the winner on 59 minutes with a good header from just inside the six-yard box.

Sunderland have notched up four straight wins and lie in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Thomas Nekos (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,306

Sunderland 3 - 1 Bradford City (League Cup 2nd Rnd)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 1 winners over Bradford City at The Stadium of Light.

An error from Bradford City's Adrian Zaharia allowed striker Adam Lake to score a finish tucked away with consummate ease. Striker Luis Alfonso doubled Sunderland's lead with a well timed close range finish on 51 minutes.

Midfielder Alex Villerman gave the Bradford City fans a glimmer of hope after 74 minutes with an accurate finish. Striker Anthony Darcy completed the scoring for Sunderland with a finish executed with aplomb on 78 minutes.

Man of the Match: Anthony Darcy (Sunderland)
Attendance: 10,970

I swear to all that is holy Matlak will never play for the club on the opening day of the season again! Second time running he has got himself injured for 5 weeks in the opening clash of the season, but in the summer we had too options either plod along and hope to get the play-offs again and have another chance at the lottery, or go for this buy the best players I can afford and go for the automatic promotion spots, and as proved by this month it’s the title we went for, we seem in command and it seems like Agus is continuing where he left off, and Darcey seems to have started well and showing promise he has

[SRL88]

Another tough end to last season but a brilliant start to this. 3rd time lucky hopefully.

[acidmonkey]

Another tough end to last season but a brilliant start to this. 3rd time lucky hopefully.

Fourth its hard to remember my first season in the championship resulted me struggling,

[acidmonkey]

September Update

Blackpool 1 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

A fantastic performance by Sunderland saw them run out victors over a disappointing Blackpool. A brace from Anthony Darcy helped Sunderland to victory.

Things did not get off to a good start for Blackpool as striker Anthony Darcy seized on an error by Phillip Howarth to score a well timed finish from close range. Midfielder Cole Mapson then equalised for Blackpool in the 21st minute with a placed shot.

Then followed controversy as Blackpool were denied claims by defensive midfielder Dmitri Puri for a penalty. Centre-back Gabin Clement was left red-faced in the 35th minute as he managed to put the ball into his own net. Darcy completed the scoring for Sunderland with an accurate finish on 75 minutes.

Sunderland have notched up five straight wins and lie in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Anthony Darcy (Sunderland)
Attendance: 10,166

Sunderland 1 - 0 Crewe Alexandra (npower Championship)

Sunderland taught Crewe Alexandra a lesson at The Stadium of Light this afternoon.

The match began in controversy with Sunderland seeing a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by midfielder Dan Massey for a penalty.

Sunderland finally took the lead when midfielder Eke Taiwo scored a well timed finish from close range on 54 minutes.

Sunderland had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Sunderland have notched up six straight wins and the promotion contenders lie in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Thomas Nekos (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,465

Rotherham United 1 - 4 Sunderland (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 4 - 1 winners over Rotherham United at Rotherham Community Stadium. A brace from Dan Massey helped Sunderland to victory.

Full-back Daniel Hancox suffered the ignominy of scoring a calamitous own goal in the 13th minute on the clock. Full-back Fernando Lemma had a moment he will quickly want to forget about in the 43rd minute when he contrived to score past his own goalkeeper.

Sunderland captain Jonny Mellor then put Sunderland in front after 45 minutes with a close range finish which was timed impeccably. When Jaksic gave away a penalty, Massey confidently stepped up to score from the spot. There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 70 minutes as that man Massey popped up again with a free kick from the edge of the area.

Sunderland have notched up seven straight wins and the promotion contenders lie in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Dan Massey (Sunderland)
Attendance: 8,880

Crewe Alexandra 2 - 0 Sunderland (League Cup 3rd Rnd)

Despite having the better of the match at The Alexandra Stadium, Sunderland were unable to profit as they went down to Crewe Alexandra. The greater incisiveness of the victors resulted in a comfortable 2 - 0 scoreline against Sunderland, who failed to turn their superior possession into goals.

Bermuda captain Shane Pitt got Crewe Alexandra off to a flyer by scoring a fine header from point-blank range on 5 minutes. Midfielder Ourdy Kaluyituka finally rounded off their victory on 30 minutes with a deftly executed finish.

Man of the Match: Shane Pitt (Crewe)
Attendance: 7,846

Sunderland 2 - 1 Middlesbrough (npower Championship)

Sunderland battled to a deserved 2 - 1 victory over Middlesbrough on a fine summer's evening in their npower Championship game at The Stadium of Light.

An error from Middlesbrough's Eden Kimwaki allowed striker Anthony Darcy to score a curling shot. Middlesbrough's equaliser came through Michael Holmes as he seized on Adam Lake's mistake to score a good header from just inside the six-yard box. Midfielder Luciano Vecchio then clinched a late winner on 94 minutes with a free kick from the edge of the area.

Vecchio's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Sunderland have notched up eight straight wins and the promotion contenders lie in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 39,930

We continue the excellent start in the league I was disappointed to lose in the cup but I put out a weakened side as I want to win the league the cups are a distraction for me this year, the league is the only thing I’m bothered about, Darcy and Agus continue to be on fire for me, and we still lead the chasing pack of last years relegated sides, Next month will be a tough one as we play recently relegated Wolves and the Tyne Wear Derby,

[acidmonkey]

Well my plan today is watch Mike Bassett Football manager (movie then TV Series ) while playing FM

[SRL88]

Is this so you can take inspiration?

[acidmonkey]

Is this so you can take inspiration?

Of Course

Ladies and gentlemen. Sunderland will be playing Four-Four-****ing Two

[acidmonkey]

October Update

Barnsley 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

After a 1 - 1 draw at Oakwell against Sunderland, a key member of the Barnsley side claimed that his team were fortunate to escape from this npower Championship fixture with a draw.

Midfielder Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a close range finish which was timed impeccably in the 37th minute. Midfielder Robbie Noon equalised for Barnsley after 41 minutes with a curling shot from the edge of the area.

Sunderland are currently on a ten match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Robbie Noon (Barnsley)
Attendance: 12,517

Sunderland 3 - 0 Gillingham (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 0 winners over Gillingham at The Stadium of Light.

Striker Anthony Darcy gave Sunderland the lead with an accurate finish in the 18th minute. With Gillingham staring at defeat, there was controversy as goalkeeper Ronnie Ellis then had a penalty shout turned down.

Ellis ensured things went from bad to worse for Gillingham on 37 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal. An error from Gillingham's Tomas Petersson allowed Darcy to score a placed shot.

Sunderland are currently on an eleven match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Anthony Darcy (Sunderland)
Attendance: 24,754

Derby County 2 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Derby County in a close-fought npower Championship match played at Pride Park.

Midfielder Andrew Langford got Derby County off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 4 minutes. Striker Tony Agus then equalised for Sunderland in the 8th minute with an incisive finish.

Derby captain Stuart Isgrove put Derby County in front in the 35th minute with a well struck effort. Agus went on to equalise for Sunderland after 54 minutes with a real poacher's effort.

Sunderland are currently on a twelve match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,364

Sunderland 2 - 0 Newcastle United (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 2 - 0 winners over Newcastle United at The Stadium of Light.

Midfielder Eke Taiwo gave Sunderland the lead with a well timed close range finish in the 37th minute. Taiwo completed the scoring for Sunderland with a fine header from point-blank range on 49 minutes.

Sunderland are currently on a thirteen match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Kyle Walker (Sunderland)
Attendance: 34,187

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers in a close-fought npower Championship match played at Molineux. The match was certainly not one for the purists with neither side able to keep the errors out of their game.

An error from Sunderland's Manuel Serra allowed striker Marko Mihajlovic to score a close range header. Sunderland also saw their 20th minute strike questionably chalked off.

Sunderland also saw their 34th minute strike questionably chalked off. Sunderland's equaliser came through Tony Agus as he seized on Sadio Dramé's mistake to score a finish executed with aplomb. Wolverhampton Wanderers also saw their 66th minute strike questionably chalked off.

Sunderland are currently on a fourteen match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Archil Khurtsilava (Wolves)
Attendance: 18,272

Only three points ahead now Everton are eating my lead we were unable to get the goals needed to turn the Derby or Wolves games into victories, but we as usual managed to get the three points from Newcastle, it seems to be turning into a regular thing, but we carry on and try to re-establish a big lead at the top of the table still unbeaten, another top of the table clash next month as we travel to 3^rd placed Brighton On the strikers rail, Darcy and Agus are both on form still only hope they continue. And when the inevitable defeat comes we can bounce back.

[acidmonkey]

November Update

Sunderland 2 - 2 Ipswich Town (npower Championship)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Ipswich Town in a close-fought npower Championship match played at The Stadium of Light.

An error from Ipswich Town's Nathaniel Wilks allowed striker Anthony Darcy to score a well struck effort. Ipswich captain Lee Tait then equalised for Ipswich Town in the 51st minute with a finish executed with aplomb.

Striker Adam Lake put Sunderland in front in the 82nd minute with an accurate finish from just outside the penalty area. The Sunderland fans might have hoped that Lake had scored the winner but it was not to be.

With time rapidly running out however, midfielder Aaron Carbon then scored a well executed finish to equalise for Ipswich Town. Better late than never for Ipswich Town and the fans were clearly delighted with Carbon's impact.

Sunderland are currently on a fifteen match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Anthony Darcy (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,474

Bradford City 1 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

An efficient performance from Sunderland saw them run out 3 - 1 winners over Bradford City at Valley Parade.

Midfielder Dan Massey gave Sunderland the lead with a fierce shot in the 33rd minute. Striker Anthony Darcy doubled Sunderland's lead with a deftly executed finish from close range on 63 minutes.

Centre-back Michael McManus gave the Bradford City fans a glimmer of hope after 68 minutes with a diving header from within the six-yard box. Striker Tony Agus completed the scoring for Sunderland with a header on 84 minutes.

Sunderland are currently on a sixteen match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Dan Massey (Sunderland)
Attendance: 10,598

Brighton and Hove Albion 1 - 3 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Brighton and Hove Albion succumbed to a 3 - 1 loss in this afternoon's npower Championship clash at American Express Community Stadium.

Sunderland captain Jonny Mellor gave Sunderland the lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box in the 29th minute. Striker Luis Alfonso doubled Sunderland's lead with a lucky strike on 48 minutes.

Lake scored with an incisive finish in the 53rd minute to extend the lead further. Midfielder Bobby-Joe Dyer pulled one back for Brighton and Hove Albion after 67 minutes with an incisive finish.

Brighton and Hove Albion were nearly gifted a goal on 89 minutes through David McDonald's lapse in concentration but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them.

Sunderland are currently on a seventeen match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)
Attendance: 18,037

Sunderland 2 - 1 Southampton (npower Championship)

Sunderland taught Southampton a lesson at The Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Striker Anthony Darcy got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a real poacher's effort after just one minute. Midfielder Michal Matlak doubled Sunderland's lead with a header on 21 minutes.

The last goal of the game came from full-back Thomas Nekos whose 65th minute own-goal will undoubtedly cause him some embarrassment.

Sunderland have notched up three straight wins and the promotion contenders lie in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Thomas Nekos (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,339

10 points from 12 we are playing some good football, and I’m starting to feel confident however this has happened before and we have thrown it away from this point before, we will continue to play the football as we have it’s a mixed bag for us game wise next month as we take on the teams at the bottom this month but with the trip to Goodison thrown in for good measure it will be our biggest test so far this season, Darcy continues to score the goals we need and is near the top of the goal scoring charts

[acidmonkey]

December Update

Sunderland 5 - 0 Sheffield United (npower Championship)

In what had been billed as a close encounter, Sheffield United were trounced 5 - 0 by Sunderland at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Tony Agus helped Sunderland to victory.

An error from Sheffield United's Kevin Wise allowed striker Tony Agus to score a close range header. An error from Sheffield United's Jamie Killick allowed midfielder Michal Matlak to score a real poacher's effort. Luis Alfonso scored with a well struck effort in the 42nd minute to extend the lead further.

An error from Sheffield United's Carl Stow allowed Agus to score a tidy finish. Midfielder Dan Massey completed the rout with a shot from eighteen yards out on 89 minutes.

Sunderland have notched up four straight wins and the promotion contenders lie in 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Michal Matlak (Sunderland)
Attendance: 28,102

Sunderland 1 - 1 Watford (npower Championship)

Sunderland fans will have been frustrated by their side's 1 - 1 draw with Watford at The Stadium of Light.

Sunderland finally took the lead when midfielder Dan Massey scored a well struck effort on 44 minutes. Midfielder Johan Thomas equalised for Watford after 50 minutes with a well struck effort.

Sunderland are currently on a twenty-one match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Joshua Roberts (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,808

Everton 1 - 2 Sunderland (npower Championship)

Sunderland won a hard fought battle against Everton on a fine afternoon at Goodison Park.

Full-back Kyle Walker gave Sunderland the lead with a header in the 34th minute. Veteran centre-back Carlos Gasparini then equalised for Everton in the 36th minute with a good diving header from close range.

Sunderland's winner came through Tony Agus as he seized on Féssou Mèmè Koukou's mistake to score a deftly executed finish.

Sunderland are currently on a twenty-two match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Thomas Nekos (Sunderland)
Attendance: 28,704

Sunderland 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle (npower Championship)

After a 1 - 1 draw at The Stadium of Light against Sunderland, a key member of the Plymouth Argyle side claimed that his team were fortunate to escape from this npower Championship fixture with a draw.

The match began in controversy with Sunderland seeing a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Striker Luis Alfonso gave Sunderland the lead with a powerful effort in the 36th minute.

Then followed controversy as Sunderland were denied claims by Luis Alfonso for a penalty. Plymouth Argyle's equaliser came through Rhys Sherwood as he seized on Joshua Roberts' mistake to score a well executed finish.

Sunderland are currently on a twenty-three match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Rhys Sherwood (Plymouth)
Attendance: 25,390

Southend United 0 - 5 Sunderland (npower Championship)

In what had been billed as a close encounter, Southend United were trounced 5 - 0 by Sunderland at Roots Hall. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Sunderland's Tony Agus.

Striker Tony Agus got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a fierce shot after just one minute. An error from Southend United's Jay Molyneux allowed Agus to score a simple finish from close in. Agus added his 3rd goal of the game with a simple finish from close in on 12 minutes.

Striker Adam Lake then added to the lead with a fierce shot on 21 minutes. Centre-back Pietro Concilio completed the rout with a close range header on 45 minutes.

Sunderland are currently on a twenty-four match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)
Attendance: 5,004

Sunderland 3 - 0 Walsall (npower Championship)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 0 winners over Walsall at The Stadium of Light.

Striker Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a well timed finish from close range in the 19th minute. Striker David McDonald doubled Sunderland's lead with a tidy finish on 64 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for Walsall as centre-back Vincent Laurent earned himself an early bath for a vicious foul on 70 minutes. Striker Luis Alfonso completed the rout with an accurate finish on 86 minutes.

Sunderland are currently on a twenty-five match unbeaten run and the promotion contenders are enjoying 1st place in the npower Championship.

Man of the Match: David McDonald (Sunderland)
Attendance: 25,771

Table after 24 games

1^st Sunderland 60 Points
2^nd Everton 51 Points
3^rd Ipswich 45 Points
4^th Brighton 44 Points
5^th Wolves 40 Points
6^th Newcastle 39 Points
7^th Derby 38 Points

This so far is turning into an epic season im unbeaten at the turn of the year im hoping the second half of the season continue the way the first half has, 15 points clear of third and 8 points clear of second Everton must feel hard done by 52 points at new year would normally see them clear at the top of the championship and looking odds on for the title, however our good form is killing them, a defeat is expected and it surly must come soon. As Ive said though I hope we can bounce back from any defeat that comes.

[AcidBurn]

Brilliant so far, the result against Everton was a great win.

[acidmonkey]

Brilliant so far, the result against Everton was a great win.

That was THE game if i was going to lose that was going to be it Everton have been playing great, but we have been playing better