That moment has to be up there with one of the greatest experiences at the Stadium of Light as pandemonium and mayhem ensued after the vital goal against Derby in the last kick (flick), of the game pushed us only three points behind the league leaders. After I had picked myself up off the floor, and pushing off the man on top of me, looking around the Stadium filled me with both pride and belief that we are going to make it. This was not only a great goal to kill off a team who are above us only by a point but also adds to the unbeaten record in 2007 that we can happily take into The Hawthorns next weekend. That is the reason why no fan should leave before the final whistle as it proves that moments like those will never be forgotten. The last minute goal that could possibly be the most crucial point in our season, is that feeling better than avoiding traffic jams…no.
Keane who is now famous for his tinkering with the squad made two changes but were decisions that any one of us would have made. Fulop who looks shaky at times was replaced by Darren Ward and Miller came in for the suspended Deano. Simpson who at times looked very confident and made some crucial interceptions passed the late fitness test, but as the game wore on he made some simple mistakes that could of cost us. Derby who basically came to frustrate and batter the Sunderland squad had Howard who impressed as the target man but never really got into the 1st half at all.
The game was scrappy at times and the players seemed to know that any one mistake could cost vital points in a promotion race that keeps gathering momentum every game. Jonny Evans was again superb and won his battles all over the pitch and even provided an attacking outlet when he bombed forward from the centre back position he has grown to love. What I would give to see him sign a permanent contract if we did manage to get promoted…star in the making.
The first chance fell to Sunderland who looked bright going forward and using Edwards pace as an option on the right hand side to good effect. Connolly who was played through by Hysen beat his marker with ease only for his low drilled shot to drag across the goalmouth and wide for a goal-kick. Simpson made an error to give the ball away to Howard only for Nosworthy to cover and prevent any real damage. A special mention has to be said for not only Evans contribution in this battling performance but just how much Nosworthy has improved since he first joined at the beginning of his career. Every ball was won by Nyron and if in any danger was there to remove any trouble and give options for Connolly and John, then later Murphy.
63 games later and Sunderland finally are awarded a penalty, it all seemed to happen in a split second but you could not complain with the decision, all though we have had much more blatant appeals turned down so any penalty would be welcomed. Up stepped Connolly to send the keeper the wrong way and the Sunderland fans into full voice to silence the traveling Rams fans.
This was Sunderland in full flow as we turned the game on its head; possession was dominated by us and could have doubled the lead before half time with a tame John shot that he missed on the line. The cross from “Roadrunner” found Evans who done well to pull it back but John did not connect with the ball and Bywater easily gathered the ball. Overall an impressive opening half but after the game against Birmingham we all knew that one goal wouldn’t be enough.
After the interval and the appearance of Lord Quinn and Collingwood it seemed that whatever Keano said in his half time team talk seemed to backfire as Sunderland came out the traps much slower. Derby dominated the first 20 minutes with constant pressure and numerous corners only for Sunderland to defend doggily and hold off the pressure. Hysen had to clear a header off the line and Evans nearly turned it into his own net only for Ward to brilliantly tip over the bar. The pressure unfortunately did not ease as Barnes who replaced Teale produced a real moment of class. The widely scouted youngster beat both Evans and Collins with a mesmerising spin and then a right foot effort that left Ward and the SoL crowd speechless. It was something that looked predictable as Derby started much more positively and converted their chance well.
This just added to the cauldron of noise at the Stadium as the Derby fans now had their chance to have a go at our fans. The atmosphere was outstanding all game and shows that things are on the up as I can’t actually remember a game that had this much electricity and passion, thanks again Quinny!
Sunderland now knew what they had to do to send the Sunderland fans into ecstasy mode, get another goal and quickly. This failed to happen and Derby looked more and more likely to nick a counter attack goal at the other end. Murphy who came on for John played well and created many chances and even hit the post in the 76th minute. This was a game that was there to be won and what a way to win it!
With the three added minutes being displayed on the board, the Stadium let out another ear bursting roar and it seemed to pay off as Leadbitter floated a ball into the box…Miller glanced the header…..GOAL!!! Cue scenes of absolute mayhem, excitement, wildness, and pain for me who was slammed into a chair by a manic Mackem. In any other situation this would have led to a complaint or even a removal for assault, but in football terms this was worth every moment of pain as I knew I would be fine as Sunderland had just grabbed a massive three points. The scenes at the final whistle reminded me of the Phillips & Quinn days as the song belted out around the stadium, to remind the Derby fans and Sunderland players that, we are on our way!
MoM – Evans – Awesome player who I still can’t believe is only 18 years old!