MATCH 1930 - Sunday 6 August 2023

SEASON 2023/24

ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Venue: STADIUM OF LIGHT

SUNDERLAND  1  IPSWICH TOWN  2

Scorers:  Neil;  Broadhead, Hirst

Att:  41,409

Really good game. Score could've been anything.  Sunderland started very well but couldn't get the breakthrough.  Ipswich had a couple of good chances on the break themselves but when they did take the lead on stroke of half time it was due to a touch fortunate, as a huge deflection took the ball into the net.  The type of luck Sunderland don't seem to get. 

In the second half Ipswich doubled their lead with a finely taken goal and looked like they were about to run away with the game especially as Sunderland were reduced to ten men with just under 20 minutes to play.

However the home side dug deep and got back into the game with a few minutes to go however the officials added on 13 minutes for injuries and time wasting which lead to an all out onslaught from the ten men, who were very unfortunate not to equalise when they hit the post in the dying moments of the game.

Great seat on the upper level of the main stand.

Match report: LINK

Personal note:

• My second time seeing Ipswich - the first was December 1985 at Old Trafford.
• 49th Sunderland match
• 31st match at the Stadium of Light.

MATCH 1892 - Tuesday 18 October 2022

SEASON 2022/23

ENGLISH LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Venue:  EWOOD PARK

BLACKBURN ROVERS  2  SUNDERLAND  0

Scorers: Brereton, Wharton

My son, Daniel's birthday trip to Sunderland. So not a great outcome for him but a good trip nevertheless.

Travel schedule: Train: Airdrie-Glasgow-Preston-Blackburn.

Return - Train: Blackburn-Manchester.  Bus: Manchester-Glasgow. Train: Glasgow-Airdrie.

Sunderland now managed by Tony Mowbray who left Blackburn in the summer.  He was replaced by Jon Dahl Tomasson.  An excellent first half goal was added to shortly after the restart. The result meant Rovers went to the top of the league.

Personal stuff:

• 2nd match between these sides, both at Ewood Park and both ending on home wins.
• 10th visit to Ewood Park.  Opponents were Celtic, Manchester United(3), Chelsea, Manchester City, Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland(2).
• 16th Blackburn Rovers match and 48th Sunderland.

MATCH 1831 - Saturday 1 February 2020

SEASON 2019/20

ENGLISH LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Venue:  LOFTUS ROAD

QUEENS PARK RANGERS  0  BRISTOL CITY  1

Scorer:     Diedhiou

Attendance:  13,713

While wife and daughter were away to a West End matinee show I was able to visit a new ground and see a new team in Queen Park Rangers.  Second time seeing Bristol City. 

A memorable performance by Famara Diedhiou, who scorers the only goal to give Bristol City an away day win in London.

Pictures from the game: 

Personal note:

• 14th game attended in London
• Eberechi Oluchi Eze played for QPR

MATCH 1779 - Saturday 5 January 2019

SEASON 2018/19

ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP

CHARLTON ATHLETIC   1   SUNDERLAND   1

Scorers: OG;  O'Nien

New ground - The Valley - added to my list of grounds.  It is an impressive ground for three large new stands and an old terrace end stand housing the away fans which is a bit cramped with generates a great atmosphere.

2nd time seeing Charlton and 46th Sunderland game.

Managers:  Lee Bowyer and Jack Ross.

MATCH 1778 - New Years Day 2019

SEASON 2018/19

ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Venue:  EWOOD PARK

BLACKBURN ROVERS  2  WEST BROMWICH ALBION  1

Scorers: Mulgrew, Dack;  Rodriguez

A 9th visit to Ewood Park but first time in the Blackburn Stand behind the goal.

 West Brom wear their change strip of yellow & green but fail to shine.

Ex-Celt Charlie Mulgrew is on the scoresheet for the home side

Managers:  Tony Mowbray & Darren Moore.

MATCH 1735 - Tuesday 20 February 2018

SEASON  2017/18

ENGLISH LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Venue: REEBOK STADIUM

BOLTON WANDERERS  1  SUNDERLAND  0

Scorer: Clough

A midweek trip to Bolton for this bottom of the league Championship clash.  The match is devoid of any quality.

My 5th visit to the stadium originally known as the Reebok and 3rd clash between these sides.