Archive for August 16th, 2009

Soapbox: where were you?

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

soapbox3

Pete Sixmith reflects on a great day out and that rarity: three points from an opening game away from home…

Where were you on the August 19 1989? If you were at the County Ground, Swindon, you saw our last away win on the opening day of the season. Eric Gates and Warren Hawke scored on a day that featured such luminaries as Tony Cullen and John Cornforth. I was in Greensboro, North Carolina and I remember making frantic transAtlantic phone calls in order to get the score in those pre internet days.

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Sunderland’s opening win observed

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

For those who do not take The Observer – shame on you; it’s the best Sunday paper and needs all the support it can get just now – this is how our own Pete Sixsmith saw Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Sunderland in today’s edition

Jones led the line so well and got Bent involved early on. Jones was a giant – and did some tremendous defensive headers. It was a good, solid win and we were outstanding in the first half. Jussi had a blinder against us and Bent was unfortunate. In the second half they came at us, but Fulop made two outstanding saves – his handling was good and he ran his area very well.The manager has strengthened the team in the middle and we moved the ball quicker.

Player Ratings Fulop 9; McCartney 7, Ferdinand 6, Collins 7, Bardsley 7; Richardson 6 (Campbell 76 7), Cattermole 8, Malbranque 7 (Henderson ht 7), Cana 8; Bent 8, Jones 9

And, for a Bolton verdict …

Shaun O’Gara, Bolton Supporters’ Club Disappointed that the manager spent all the money on defensive players and they did not defend well. We’re crying out for a striker and a creative midfielder. Elmander struggled again – he’s not scored all year! The style of play is pretty awful and ticket sales have fallen, even though prices have dropped. A child’s season ticket is £50, but the general season ticket holders haven’t renewed. We have to beat teams like Sunderland – they’re in our mini-league.
Player Ratings Jaaskelainen 7; Robinson 4, Knight 4, Cahill 5, Ricketts 4; Taylor 5, Muamba■ 5 , S Davis 4, McCann 5 (Lee 68 5); Elmander 5 (Ward 83 n/a), K Davies■ 6