Am well oiled, and it's totally off-topic, but it has suddenly dawned on me that Coventry are in the Fourth Division/League Two I'd missed that bit Anyway, after having done (modestly) some good work on Wikipedia's Jimmy Hill page years back so posterity will know he was a ****head who fixed matches, I've started doing the same on Coventry's page. A bit silly in the grand scheme of things and I may regret it in the morning, but I'm in the mood for a drink or ten. Back on topic, many thanks to Bri for putting the goal on, the highlights wouldn't work due to international copyright bollocks. I'm too pissed to work out proxy stuff.
Great to see smiling faces walking out of the stadium today..it makes my night shifts all the more bearable.
Player ratings from the Echo: ROBBIN RUITER Few saves to make until a vital late block from Meyler. Real composure in the latter stages to see his side through. 7 BILLY JONES (Matthews, 34) Went off after a nasty collision in the air. Had done well until then, pressing tirelessly and breaking forward, just lacking the final touch. 6 TYIAS BROWNING Harshly booked in the second half. Very good in the air and consistent as ever in his defending. 7 JOHN O'SHEA Some very good covering challenged and the composure Sunderland needed. 7 JAKE CLARKE-SALTER Excellent interception in first half showed his awareness. Did well in the air and looked solid. 8 BRYAN OVIEDO Stunning clearance on the line to keep the score at 1-0 just after the hour. Always offered an outlet going forward. 7 LEE CATTERMOLE Far from full fitness but exactly the player Sunderland need him to be. Some poor passes but some very good ones and protected defence well. Superb tackle in build up to first goal. 8 ETHAN ROBSON Very composed on the ball but even more encouraging was his tenacity in the challenge and off the ball. A superb full debut at home. 8 GEORGE HONEYMAN Added the final ball to his industry. Excellent execution to spot Asoro's run and find him for the goal. Almost scored himself in the second. 7 JOEL ASORO Brilliant composure to finish after a fine run. Caused problems throughout with his pace and running into the channels. 8 JOSH MAJA (Gooch, 87) Faded as the second half went on but was excellent in the first, showing a brilliant first touch and excellent, quick footwork. 7 Subs ADAM MATTHEWS Couldn't offer much forward threat as he recovers from a calf problem but defensively resolute. LYNDEN GOOCH Offered plenty of hard running in the latter stages. Unused: Steele, Love, Galloway, McGeady, McManaman Especially pleased for Robson who sounds a talent and Catts putting in a good performance.
Yeah I think he's been poor all season and really bad on occasion but yesterday clearly shows he is still capable, hopefully he can keep it up and get himself in good shape.
Pleased for JoS too, I am one of his critics, but am pleased as punch to see his form improving as he has stood up and been counted throughout the season, now that Catts has joined in lets hope they can, with the help of some fresh legs around them have an Indian Summer and see us through this difficult season. And lets see the back of these malcontent's at the club, I believe there are currently three of them, as this game shows we can, and will prosper without them, I suggest they study the fate of another Judas, one Darren Bent, who thought the grass was greener elsewhere.
Just watched the highlights. Larsson is a twat! Falls over fresh air first half with arms flailing yet he's first on the scene having a go at Asoro.
I’m afraid that it’s too easy to say that mate, but it isn’t the case. Premier League clubs finances are more or less public information and the fact that some 78% of turnover was spent on salaries says without any further investigation that we are in the red. Bills alone for heating and lighting at the SOL and AOL, and let's not forget that it’s only the last 2 Windows that we haven’t spend. There’s no question at all that Short has put in money and covered losses.
Asoro should definitely have had a penalty, the lad looked distraught when he got booked and you could tell by the way Dawson just got up and trotted away, he knew it should have been a penalty and he'd got away with one
Sky sports. Check the pages following the final whistle I posted the link. Extended will be up on safc.com by now, if not it will be soon.