Despite our mini resurgence of late, last week’s performance against Liverpool raised fears of an end of season slump; especially with today’s clash being against a Tottenham side pushing for Champions League football and in arguably in their best form of the season. The signs were so ominous that for the first time in nine years, my own dad deserted me to face the action alone, although in fairness I think he just wanted to watch Dean Windass blunder his way through another two hours on soccer Saturday.

The line ups carried the odd surprise; John Mensah’s injury didn’t clear in time for kick-off meaning Paolo Da Silva earned a rare start, whilst Anton Ferdinand was moved out to right –back as Alan Hutton was unavailable for selection against his parent club. David Meyler returned to replace Captain Lorik Cana in centre midfield, whilst Kenwyne Jones was unable to oust Frazier Campbell for the second week running. Tottenham had numerous notable absentees, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar all on the bench. Still plenty of threat in the starting eleven, however, Roman Pavlyuchenko having scored nine is his last eight games, and the masterful Eidur Gudjohnsen looked set to ensure Sunderland’s reshuffled back line would be given a stern test.

Tottenham’s travelling support deserves a mention as well, creating a lively atmosphere as the game kicked off. In keeping with recent games at the SoL, Sunderland surged into an early lead. Richardson’s corner was headed towards goal by Frazier Campbell, Darren Bent burying the rebound from Gomes’ save. Bent engaged in some taunting of his former fans before wildly celebrating in front of the south west, I think this goal meant something to him, just a little. The game began to settle down after that, with the lads looking to hit Tottenham on the break, snuffing out most of the advances from the bright Modric and Bale. Richardson was particularly impressive in the opening exchanges, getting up and down the wing; allowing Malbranque to play the more central role he craves, dictating most of our counter attacks. It eventually paid dividends on the half hour mark, Steed’s quick footwork on the edge of the area resulting in a stinging shot to Gomes’ right. Gomes saved comfortably, but Kyle Walker handled as he tried to clear, Mason pointing the spot. Up stepped Sunderland’s new hero, to slam the ball into the bottom right handed corner and repeat his celebration. Sunderland continued to press, Campbell’s header from Malbranque’s cross just flashing wide.

Tottenham got better pretty quickly, and looked the most likely to score as half time approached. Having previously only forced one save from Gordon, a pathetic header from Bentley looking after his brylcremed perm, the aforementioned right winger slid a ball across the six yard box, with Gudjohnsen nipping in between our two centre halves to draw a point blank save from Gordon. In keeping with the end- to end nature of the game however, Campbell burst into the Spur’s box from the right wing and was clumsily brought down by Luka Modric for penalty number two. With the perfect opportunity to score a hugely significant hat-trick, Bent switched sides from his earlier effort, but was second guessed by Gomes, who turned it round the corner with a brilliant diving save. A couple of corners followed, but the curtains were quickly drawn on one of our most impressive and energetic first half displays this season.

As the rain and the odd power cut darkened the SoL, so did the mood within the stands, as the introduction of Kranjcar and Defoe for Assou-Ekotto and Bentley got the nerves jangling. Despite this, we started brightly, with only a last ditch tackle from Bassong preventing Campbell going one-on-one with the keeper. Soon after, Defoe raced through on Gordon, who managed to parry away, but it began a period of sustained pressure from Redknapp’s men, with Gudjohnsen, Defoe and Modric going close, only to be denied by the lanky Scotsman between the sticks. For all his attacking prominence, Bale was badly exposed at the back and allowed David Meyler to race in behind him, only to be clattered by Wilson Palacios. The penalty was given allowing Bent versus Gomes to enter its third round. Gomes won again, this time somewhat fortunately, palming Bent’s effort onto the inside of the post. Bent looked absolutely crestfallen as the Tottenham fans wheeled out the old ‘are you watching capello?’ chestnut. Still, we kept going, and looked to have put the match to bed five minutes later as Ricco’s cross into the box fell into the path of Anton Ferdinand, who proceeded to bury it into the bottom corner. However, for some reason unknown to anyone in the stadium but himself, Mason blew his whistle. Disallowed, foul on the keeper by Campbell, we think.

We are all waiting for it, and he didn’t disappoint. Crouch was introduced after seventy minutes and within a couple of minutes had headed a cross from the left wing into the bottom corner. Bruce tried to get us back on track by bringing on Jones and Zenden on for Steed and Bent, and both went on to miss the two easiest chances I’ve ever seen. Campbell slid the ball across the six yard box, Jones had the goal at his mercy, but took a completely in-excusable air shot, with Zenden’s shot rolling the ball towards the defenders on the line to clear. They redeemed themselves spectacularly just moments later, Jones brushing off Kaboul, passing to Henderson, whose floated cross was met on the volley by Zenden, rifling it into the top corner. Signing of the season? Maybe not, but it was pretty special.

This knocked the wind out of the Tottenham onslaught, and the game passed by pretty quickly after that. It was one of the most mental games of football I’ve ever seen, but most of the lads came out smelling of roses. You sometimes feel sorry for Mr Mason but then you realize he’s absolutely bloomin’ useless, today being no exception.

Final Score: 3-1

Man of The Match: Frazier Campbell- epitomized everything about our recent revival, causing havoc all game and unlucky not to get a goal.

Phil Smith

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