Sunderland ’s poor form continued on Monday night managing only a goalless draw at the SOL against a Stoke side who are as bad as us on the road. Despite showing a decent level off battle and commitment the lads could have played till next Monday and not scored and the lack of creativity is a real concern.

Steve Bruce made four changes as he attempted to halt our slide down the table with Malbranque, Jones, Reid and Turner all returning to the starting eleven. The Stoke side and bench was full of ex SAFC players and a certain Mr Reid.

Stoke had the best opportunity of the game inside five minutes when Dean Whitehead ghosted into the box unmarked but his side footed shot was parried by Gordon.

Sunderland hit back with Malbranque forcing saves from Sorenson though the Frenchman’s efforts lacked any real conviction and then Jones volleyed straight at the Dane after a Turner knock down from a corner.

This was as about as good as it got for the whole game in terms of chances but there were some good crunching tackles from Cana and Cattermole in the engine room. Just before half time there was a melee involving Dean Whitehead and Andy Reid. I didn’t catch what happened but the former Sunderland skipper escaped with a booking though some people were shouting for a red.

At half time I was expecting Mr Hutton to be unveiled but he wasn’t but Monty came on to do the half time lottery.

After the break Stoke almost took the lead when a low cross from the left hand side caused a scramble in the Sunderland six yard box but Mensah managed to clear off the line brilliantly.

We had a shout for a penalty after Huth appeared to handle a Bent cross but Howard Webb waved away the appeals. We spent the rest of the game hoying balls into the box which Huth and Shawcross dealt with comfortably.

Bruce made a double change with Zenden and Campbell replacing Reid and Malbranque. Though Campbell and Zenden showed a few decent touches going forward they neither could find a way through Stoke’s resilient defence.

As we pressed in search of a winner it was in fact Stoke who carved out the best opportunities. First Fuller raced through only to be denied brilliantly by Craig Gordon and then Huth headed wide unmarked late on from a corner.

Not good enough.

Final Score Sunderland 0 Stoke City 0

ALS Man of the Match – Lee Cattermole

Aidan Crowe

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