Sunderland suffered their first home league defeat at the SOL this season as DJ Campbell struck twice in the second half to seal the points for Blackpool. The lads played quite well and created enough chances to win three games but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping cost us the victory.

Steve Bruce made three changes from the Boxing Day defeat at Old Trafford as Cattermole, Welbeck and Meyler all returned to the starting eleven in place of Richardson, Zenden and Malbranque. Blackpool, who brought a good following were without their star man Charlie Adam through suspension.

Sunderland dominated the first half but were guilty of missing loads of chances. First Bent was played though on goal by Welbeck, but the striker stabbed the ball past Kingson but wide of the post. Then Gyan went clean through after a wonderful pass from Cattermole was controlled magnificently by the Ghanaian. Gyan managed to get a shot away under pressure but Kingson got a touch which sent the ball rolling wide and though Gyan got to the ball with an open goal, the angle was too tight and he hit the side netting. Nedum Onuoha was forced off with an injury after half an hour and was replaced by Titus Bramble.

Danny Welbeck then wasted two opportunities; the first, a Jordan Henderson cross from the right which he failed to connect with, then moments later missing when found by a free kick.

Just before half time we went close again when Darren Bent teed up Jordan Henderson who hit a powerful low strike which Kingson made a meal of but managed to steer wide for a corner. Then Gyan was found by Elmo’s cross, but the strike was off target. Blackpool had a couple of efforts of their own when Varney tested Gordon from range, before Campbell pulled a shot wide from a good position.

Five minutes into the second half came the sucker punch. A short corner eventually fell to Campbell who did what no Sunderland player could and apply a finish. We went straight at Blackpool from the restart and Cattermole had his header saved, before Gyan put one over the bar.

With half an hour to go Bruce made his second change of the afternoon when Richardson replaced Meyler. Lee Cattermole had a couple of long range shots one saved and one well wide. Bruce then made his final change with Malbranque replacing Gyan who left the field looking like he may have picked up an injury.

Elmo was next to test Kingson who again saved as he did minutes later, parrying Malbranque’s effort from close range. Kingson was on hand again to save Blackpool when Cathcart played a back pass straight to Bent but the striker was denied by the keeper and Elmo’s follow up volley was blocked. Welbeck then won a free kick about 25 yards from goal which was taken superbly by Darren Bent but the striker’s effort crashed off the bar.

Sunderland continued to pile forward but the free kick that hit the bar signalled it wasn’t our day. Blackpool confirmed this when they doubled their lead late on. Philips left Ferdinand for dead and crossed for Campbell who tucked his shot away and sealed the points for The Seasiders.

Final Score: Sunderland 0 Blackpool 2

ALS Man of the Match: Asamoah Gyan

Aidan Crowe

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