Defensive errors yet again cost Sunderland as the lads slipped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Wolves in the final home game of the season on Saturday lunchtime. Former SAFC captain Jody Craddock had gave the strugglers the lead in the first half before Stephane Sessegnon notched his second goal for the lads to make things level. However another second half defensive horror show gifted Wolves a valuable three points with Stephen Fletcher and George Elokobi finding the net.

We lined up with Mignolet in goal behind a back four of Elmo, Mensah, Onuoha and Bardo. In midfield Henderson, Colback, Riveros, Zenden and Malbranque looked to supply Sessegnon up front. Our bench consisted of mostly of the under 12 academy squad as there were places for Noble, Adams, Cook, Laing, Knott and Lynch.

We actually started the game very well and dominated the opening stages with Zenden going close from 25 yards but his shot crashed off the bar. Soon after Sessegnon forced the keeper into a save with a volley before Bardo cut inside and went close with a low right footed effort.

Wolves took the lead against the run of play when former SAFC centre half Jody Craddock was left unmarked at a corner and allowed to side foot volley the visitors into the lead.

We responded well with Elmo and Henderson putting in a couple of dangerous crosses from the right wing which only highlighted the lack of front men. Riveros who was otherwise anonymous had an effort blocked by O’Hara on the edge of the box before we equalised on the half hour mark.

Zenden fired in a great corner which eventually dropped to Stephane Sessegnon to volley into the bottom corner before celebrating with the fans in the South Stand. A great finish which capped another lively first half display from the Benin international who is starting to look the part.

With honours even at half time I fully expected us to come out after the break and win the game but sadly I was wrong. Just before Wolves scored Steed Malbranque was denied a goal from twenty yards thanks to a great save from Hennessey but the away side took the lead shortly after.

Matt Jarvis sent a cross into the box which caught out Mignolet allowing Stephen Fletcher the easy task of nodding the ball in from inside the six yard box. We went to pieces after the goal and Jamie O’Hara was twice denied thanks to good blocks from Bardo before the loose ball was eventually dragged wide by Wolves wide man Stephen Hunt.

With twenty minutes to go youngster Ryan Noble came on for Malbranque but was offered little in terms of service and couldn’t influence the game. Rather than sit on their lead Wolves showed some ambition by putting Kevin Doyle on and were rewarded with ten minutes to go.

Left back George Elokobi who moments earlier had headed over from a corner was again allowed all the time in the world to O’Hara’s cross. The defender this time made no mistake glancing the ball past Mignolet.

The game ended 3-1 to Wolves and the game is a sad reflection of how our season turned out. Started well but eventually fizzled out. It’s disgraceful really that in recent weeks struggling sides like Wovles, WBA and Fulham have came to the SOL, torn us apart and scored three goals.

As it was the final home game at full time the lads went back onto the pitch to thank the fans for their support this season, but they were mainly clapping empty seats as a lot of people had already left.

Final Score: Sunderland 1 Wolves 3

ALS Man of the Match: Stephane Sessegnon

Aidan Crowe

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