In a pivotal game for Bruce as manager fans were all for a good start like Stoke although within 5 minutes Albion had another version of events as two goals changed the atmosphere and fans were baying for his blood. James Morrison easily scored from a Dorrans free kick conceded by Brown.
A mix up in midfield from Gardner’s leg allowed Shane Long to turn on the after burners and slot home a second comfortably. Turner clearly not fit.
A mountain to climb already in 5 minutes. It became a little brighter again after a knockdown, sessegnon’s shot was whiskers away from the post. This rejuvenated the dying crowd. More pleasant passing from Sunderland nearly
resulted in a way back however Larsson was offside.
The goal wasn’t far off though as in the 24th minute a deflection went our away again. The first goal for the Denmark striker in a year.
Two minutes later the main man again was Bendtner as he produced a peach of a cross from the left touchline for Elmo to convert a bullet header for his first goal for SAFC.
If Bendtner had more composure for another chance that was scuffed into Foster’s grasp, it could have been a surprising finish to a forgetful half but alas not to be.
HT SAFC 2-2 West Brom
In the second half the game went back to even Stevens but this time Sunderland kick started the game. The game belonged in midfield with both teams scrapping for the ball. The main chance went to brown after a Larsson free kick nearly produced the winner although Brown headed the ball into the ground and over.
Elmo once again had a chance after neat build up from Sess and Bendtner but his first time shot was straight at Foster. The next talking point was Cattermole who got a yellow card in the first half gave a late challenge for the ball on Steven Reid and his follow through should have resulted in a sending off which could have changed the result. Thankfully though Lee Mason was lenient. Bruce saw this and brought on young lad Jack Colback to stop the ref having the chance again.
Ji Dong-Won and David Meyler also came on in separate subs but they couldn’t produce a spark in their late appearances.
In a scorching day the players were shattered and that showed in the last 15 minutes when a winner just wouldn’t come. In the end you can’t be blame them it was Bruce who hasn’t replaced Bent or Ferdinand. When Bramble goes AWOL Turner really wasn’t fit but he had to play.
At full time though there were boos as we really needed to win this game…considering the start a draw was probably fair.
FT SAFC 2-2 West Brom
Now a international break, so hopefully no injuries to our players as Arsenal away is next. We really can’t afford a poor start like the one today or we can expect a good drubbing.
Cj
RTG Junior Match Reporter
