In the light of William Hague’s recent revelations about his private life, I feel it is about time I came clean, to get certain things off my chest before the tabloids sniff a story and blow things out of all proportions. Well, here goes. In the course of supporting Sunderland over the year, I’ve shared twin rooms with various other Sunderland supporters of the same sex. There, I’ve said it. I’ve even slept in the same bed as a West Ham fan, but he was on his way to our game at City in 1990. I’ve shared a tent with other supporters, and I’ve slept on the same bus as fellow supporters of both sexes on numerous occasions, as well as a bunkhouse situation in Dublin with a dozen others who included several Eastern European teenagers . Hell, I even dozed off for a few minutes on the way down to Wigan. It doesn’t make me a bad person, but I’m still not sure about Hague.

One of the reasons for the snooze on the way down was Friday evening spent in the company of Wilko Johnson (ask yer dad) in a hot and sweaty Shildon Civic, so by the time we arrived in Wigan town centre – allowed to do so because, apparently, the occupants of our bus are “mature and quiet” (old an decrepit, more like) we were in need of refreshment. The Anvil, thankfully, provided it in abundance and for well under £2 a pint, and we fell in with a group of lads from Stoke way who were only there for a day out. A quick one in the Brickmakers after the bus out towards the JJB, and we were in. Sunshine, no Gyan, and a one up front formation. Don’t get me started, but if you don’t set out to win, you generally don’t. Maybe Brucey was thinking to contain them for an hour or so then hit them with Babyjet.

Mignolet
Onouah Bramble Ferdy Rico (official new nickname)
Almo Hendo Catts Wellbeck Steeeed
Bent

The game looked to be going according to the pan proposed above, as we moved the ball around midfield with a bit of patience, but when we got it up to Bent we didn’t provide the support he needed. Still, we thought, long way to go, there’s time yet. Catts was booked for persistent fouling, a yellow card which we saw coming, and when we lost possession from a corner, it was Catts who chased back down our right, and the red card was one the crowd saw coming. Without wishing to appear repetitive, I’ll say what I said after the Birmingham game – get rid of him now. Maybe the ref was being a bit fussy, but the whole crowd, and probably the other 21 players, could see what was going to happen. As a captain, he shows no responsibility, and as a player no common sense. Come the next transfer window, take the first offer that comes along and put it down to experience because we simply can’t afford to play him again.

So we had 67 minutes to play with a man down. Great, but to be fair we responded well. Mignolet produced some great keeping, Rico bombed forward at every chance as the other three at the back covered, and the Steed had the ball glued to his toe down the left. Almo was getting a bit left out, and when he took a couple of hefty challenges, Bruce shuffled the pack to bring on Riveros in the middle and left the right wing empty as we came narrower. Bent almost got in when he flicked the ball over his marker and into the box, but couldn’t quite get onto the end of his own pass as he lost his footing. A pox on those useless blade studs, I say. Another piece of fine keeping from Mignolet, fast climbing up the list of famous Belgians ahead of Plastic Bertrand and the Singing Nun and closing in on Hercule Poirot, preceded a great cross from Riveros which just evaded Bent at the back post. We ended the half on the front foot, producing some good football in the three added minutes.

Well, we got what we’d hoped for as the second half began when Bruce went for broke and replaced Wellbeck with Gyan, sent on with a big hug from his manager. It was Wigan who showed first, though, and it took a terrific challenge from Bramble to keep them at bay, then Ferdy produced some cool defending to back it up. The fans really got behind the team, which must have raised spirits on the field, as we defended like demons, with Mignolet again being decisive and effective. A free on our left was moved five yards in from where it should have been taken on the hour, but Ming took it well. Five minute later, Hendo teased his marker wide on the right, nicked it past him, and burst down the line to sling in a tempting cross which was met with a side-footed volley from Gyan’s left peg to fly into the net. A superb goal, and we rose to the challenge of holding onto that lead.

Bent did more than his fair share of defending to back up Rico, and there was another Tevez moment as Wigan contrived to miss an absolute sitter at the back post with 18 to go. Ten minutes later, and Rico took another knock and was replaced by Mensah to give the back four a really solid look with Ferdy moving to left back and big John joining Titus in the middle. With four minutes left on the clock, a double deflection on a shot from the edge of the box found its way past Mignolet for an undeserved equalizer.

In the five added, we pushed for the winner, but were happy to take a point when the whistle went, and the players applauded the fans, the fans applauded the players, then the players jogged off to draw lots on who would get to hold Cattermole’s head in the lavvy and who would get to flush it. There were some great performances, and as good a debut goal as you’ll see anywhere, at any time. Riveros showed what he’s capable of in holding and in attack, while Henderson had a great second half. The defence was sound as a pound, and Bent ran his socks off. Gyan – well, he played like he said he would, with a smile on his face and a willingness to try things that others might not have the confidence to try. Steed was tremendous in holding the ball and picking out a team-mate, while Almo didn’t get much chance to get into the game. Wellbeck might have proved to be the attacking midfielder to back up Bent had his role not been forced into change when Catts was sent off, but did well nonetheless. Cattermole has already had more words than he deserves, but let’s just say that he’s cost us four points already this season. Henderson’s second half was tremendous when we’d settled into our ten-man shape, but another string of impressive decisions and saves make Mignolet my Man of the Match.

We had plenty to talk about on the way back as we waved at the passing Blackpool fans, and had a good laugh at the SAFC/Blackpool street party that looked to have got underway in Kirkby Stephen.

Keep the faith

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