Sunderland (H) Match Thread - Sponsored by come-back kings

[Big Ern]

1-1 HT. More or less result so far.

Shame about Pogs moment of madness. No need to make that challenge, but while we have Alf on the bench, we can always nick it.

[Royal91]

Apart from L,wood and the Pog's complete stupidity that was a positive half!

Should be looking to win this!

[Ian Royal]

Good half. Some real attacking threat from us. McAnuff putting in his best performance in the middle for me. Doing his defensive work and popping up all over the place to cause trouble. Seems to be in a bit of a free role. Legs has been good off the ball but very sloppy at times on it. He'll be getting crucified for it by those that don't like him, but I think he's been involved in a lot of good for us. Akpan proving my caution about him seems unnecessary, he's settled in and is playing pretty well. McCleary has had some very good moments, and some less good. We don't miss Karacan in the slightest. Guthrie's presence not particularly missed either. Good call from McDermott.

But for a moment of idiocy from Pog we'd be ahead. And I think McAnuff deserved a penalty, took two or three half fouls on his way through, that I think add up to enough to be a pen. Their goal really let them back in the game. Still, as we know, as long as we're within 2 goals of the opposition going into the last 15 - 20 minutes, we're in with a shout of three points.

If we could just ease back a bit further on the long balls and ease up the shorter passes a little further, we'll be looking good.

All in all a very good first half marred by one moment of madness.

[Libertine]

Decent half. I still have no idea what Pog was thinking about.

[Who Moved The Goalposts?]

Decent half. I still have no idea what Pog was thinking about.

Striker's tackle, but should have enough about him to not attempt it in the area!!

[NTRoyal]

Just back in time for 2nd half. Worried we are level, will be more confident if Sunderland score

[Einstein agogo]

I'm worried about the REF , who obviously has a bet on the makkkkammmmms winning , the stupiod oxf*rd oxf*rd

[TBM]

Our set pieces today have been woeful

[AirRaidSiren]

Apart from L,wood and the Pog's complete stupidity that was a positive half!

Should be looking to win this!

This.

I would bring on Guthrie for Leigertwood

[sputnik]

damn that was close

[NTRoyal]

We are playing some lovely stuff. A more consistent final ball would be really dangerous.

[TBM]

Anyone else just celebrate Pearce's header - looked like it was going the other way

[RedRum]

Anyone else just celebrate Pearce's header - looked like it was going the other way

+1

[RFCSPACE]

Such a dominant performance we must capitalise on. 3 vital points up for grabs.

[JayRoyal]

Anyone else just celebrate Pearce's header - looked like it was going the other way

In a skype call, just shouted YES very loudly, and then felt like an idiot. :/

[Einstein agogo]

Apart from L,wood and the Pog's complete stupidity that was a positive half!

Should be looking to win this!

This.

I would bring on Guthrie for Leigertwood

I agree... ledge is always the name mentioned when we get in the shit... he battles but the balls he gives away are monstrous.. carrico should replace asap when he's fit and warm enough

[JordCot]

Ref is a oxf*rd idiot

[Ouroboros]

Fukking hell, Villa 3-1 up and Wigan winning... We need a goal.

[RFCSPACE]

Benteke is doing my fantasy football team wonders, but as a Reading fan someone needs to injure him ASAP.

[NTRoyal]

Ref is a oxf*rd idiot

Not letting the game flow at all.