SAFC into FA Cup 4th Round

Sunderland have progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup, courtesy of a 1-0 defeat of Hartlepool United, from a Julio Arca goal. Ironically, the game later saw Arca receive his 5th yellow card of the season, meaning he'll miss the away game at Millwall on January 17th.

The draw for the fourth round is live on BBC 2 at 1pm on Monday 5th January - Sunderland have been given the number 22. Matches will be played on Sat 24 and Sun 25th January.

Poom lands national footballing honour

Goalkeeper Mart Poom has been awarded the Estonia Player of the Year title.

The poll, organised by the Estonian Football Writers' Club, saw Poom finish well ahead of left-back Urmas Rooba, of FC København.

This is the sixth time 'Poominator' has won the award in its 11-year history. His heroic last minute equaliser against Derby County in September was said to have counted in his favour for the award.

Poom, who played for Derby for six years before coming to Sunderland AFC, said "Obviously the award warms my heart".