What a performance but more importantly what a result. Clean sheet, three points and an all round fantastic team performance. Kieran Richardson, the pick of the lads scored twice in the first half to secure a two nil win over Portsmouth.

With Portsmouth boasting a terrific away record this season Keano opted for a 4 5 1 formation in order to crowd the midfield. Between the sticks Craig Gordon retained his place, whilst Roy reunited last season’s successful centre half pairing of Nos and Evans. Deano at right back Danny Collins at left back. In midfield Murphy, Miller, Richardson, Yorke and Stokes, ahead of them lone striker Kenwyne Jones.

The lads had the first effort on goal inside two minutes when the lively Stokes cut in from the right to hit a low left foot shot which was comfortably saved by David James.

Portsmouth had good chance to take the lead when Benjani found himself on the end of a flick on from Mendez free kick. The ball sat up nice for the striker but he hooked his effort past Craig Gordon’s post. Soon after Portsmouth had another decent effort on goal with a volley but Gordon parried the ball out for a corner.

I’ve noticed the last couple of games that the atmosphere in the ground is starting to get better again and the fans were again magnificent. Spurred on by the crowd the lads crafted a chance for Stokes but he headed over the bar.

With half an hour gone the lads took the lead. Kenwyne Jones turned provider by out pacing and out muscling Sol Campbell before teeing up Richardson who fired into the bottom corner.

From the restart it was all Sunderland. Kenwyne Jones was giving Campbell and Distin a torrid time so they resorted to fouling him in order to regain possession. However the referee and his officials, who yet again were abysmal, saw nothing wrong in the challenges on him.

As the first half came to a close the lead was doubled. This time Murphy did well finding Richardson in the box and after skipping a couple of challenges the midfielder side footed past James with his right foot. A great way to end the first half.

After the break Sunderland continued piling forward and were urged on by the fans and also Roy Keane. Richardson, on a hat trick, curled over from twenty yards when he probably should have hit the target.

As well as playing good attacking football the back four looked pretty solid as well. Benjani and Nugent almost caught sight of goal when hitting us on the break but Jonny Evans got back brilliantly to deny Nugent with a thundering tackle.

Richardson then almost secured the match ball when he smashed a shot past David James only to be denied by the cross bar. From the rebound there were a few appeals for handball but Portsmouth went straight on the counter attack but Mendez shot was held well by Gordon.

The game started going a bit end to end and was really exciting to watch, Stokes who ran his socks off went on a mazy solo run laid the ball wide to Richardson whose cross was gathered by James as Jones lurked in the six yard box.

Keano made his first change with twenty minutes to go replacing Stokes with Leadbitter. Shortly after Paul McShane had to come on for Evans after he went down injured. Evans did get up and try to carry on but he soon had to signal to the bench to come off.

Aside from the entertaining game there were a couple of comedy moments off the pitch. The first when Roy Keane showed he’s still got it by chipping the ball back to the Portsmouth winger after the ball went out for a throw. The crowd cheered and Keano waved back, it was funny and I hope Sky caught it.

Then in injury time the linesman who had gave everything against Sunderland went to flag for offside and his flag exploded into several pieces. Summed up his afternoon.

Final Score: Sunderland 2 Portsmouth 0

ALS Man of the Match: Kieran Richardson

Aidan Crowe

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