It’s been a tumultuous few years as a Sunderland fan - yes, even more so than usual - and the idea that stability will return with the recent play-off win and promotion is probably fanciful.
International breaks are, for a select few, all about sitting by the phone and waiting for a call that confirms a nod has been given and that it is time to pack your bags. Lynden Gooch could be forgiven for having changed his number and stuffed his suitcase into the back of a wardrobe.
Cast aside FA Cup woes, the league is still in play for Sunderland despite dreadful recent form. However, the postponement of our game against Lincoln originally scheduled for next Saturday means we have a bit of time to wait.
We're a few days off 11 months with Lee Johnson as Sunderland manager, whose mantra to move the Lads up a division quickly has taken heavy blows already.
On Saturday afternoon, Sunderland and Lincoln competed in a 1-1 draw that proves why both sides sit so close to each other in the league table.
On Tuesday evening, the Black Cats continued their recent habit of winning with a 2-0 victory over Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium. Two second half goals saw off Stanley as Ross Stewart came off the bench to score on a dream debut and Charlie Wyke headed in from a corner to round off the win.
Charlie Wyke opened the scoring in the 13th minute wriggling free of Pompey defender Sean Raggett to head goalward from a corner. Jordan Jones cemented the Sunderland victory in the 58th minute, taking advantage of another Raggett error. He then expertly chipped ‘keeper MacGillivray in a game the Lads controlled.
Yesterday afternoon Sunderland were victorious over bottom side Rochdale. Dion Sanderson opened the scoring climbing highest at the back post from Aiden McGeady’s freekick. Charlie Wyke notched his 13th goal in 13 games with a thumping header from a Jordan Jones cross in the 35th minute. Here are the 2 Good and 1 Bad from the game.
On Tuesday night, the Black Cats edged past a spirited Swindon Town side in a 1-0 victory. Charlie Wyke’s header on the end of a pinpoint delivery from Chris Maguire was enough for Sunderland who move into 4th in the League 1 table. Here are the 2 Good and 1 Bad for the game.
On Saturday Sunderland looked certain to slip to a dismal 2-0 defeat to an inspired Crewe side, who put themselves in front in the first half with both goals coming from Mikael Mandron assists.