OTD: 7-0 V OXFORD

On this day in 1998, Sunderland put Oxford United to the sword in a 7-0 drubbing at the SOL. The lads managed to score a hat full of goals, even in the absence of star men Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn.

The lads were dealt a major blow just days before the match, with Super Kev being ruled out until after Christmas with a toe injury. It meant that we started the game with the new-look partnership of Danny Dichio and Michael Bridges, who did not disappoint! Former Black Cat Martin Gray started in midfield for Oxford, but was unable to be the difference maker against his ex-teammates.

We took the lead early in the match through Bridges, who turned in a Darren Williams cross from close-range. Peter Reid’s men were ahead, and there was no looking back from there. Three minutes later, the lead was doubled. John Mullin made his way towards Oxford’s box but was taken out by David Smith, who perhaps could have seen red but got away with a booking. Micky Gray stepped up and drilled the ball hard and low, under the wall and into the bottom corner.

After enduring some brief Oxford offence, the Lads pushed forward again. Dichio and Summerbee combined well and the ball was clipped in to Allan Johnston, who was brought down in the box. Dichio placed the spot kick to the keeper’s right, giving us an emphatic 3-0 lead going into half time.

In the 53rd minute, Alex Rae made it four. Allan Johnston did well to chase a loose ball and release the midfielder, who finished one-on-one past the goalkeeper from inside the box. A few minutes later, United’s misery was again compiled. Summerbee picked out Dichio, who in turn played Bridges into the box where he finished the well-worked goal with a smart shot with his left foot.

The lads entered cruise control at 5-0, ensuring the match was well and truly out of Oxford’s grasp. The U’s were deflated and Sunderland were knocking the ball around with confidence. Dichio eventually made it 6-0 after 66 minutes, starting and finishing the move. He won the ball in Oxford’s half, drove down the right wing and fizzed a ball into the danger area. Bridges’ shot was blocked but the ball fell back to Dichio, who finished from an acute angle.

Despite being on course for a hat trick, Dichio was replaced after 80 minutes by Sunderland legend Niall Quinn for the last ten minutes. Bridges remained on the pitch though, and was instrumental in our seventh and final goal. Rae picked up the ball on the halfway line, gave it to Bridges who turned expertly before playing a perfect return pass to Rae, who had made his way into the box. He made no mistake with a fierce finish, smashing the ball past Phil Whitehead in the Oxford goal.

Braces from Rae, Bridges and Dichio, as well as a Michael Gray free kick, brought delight to Sunderland fans who unsurprisingly gave the team a standing ovation as they left the pitch. Oxford on the other hand, looked sheepish as they made their way back to the dressing room. United manager, and Mag, Malcolm Shotton was too upset to take media duties, sending his assistant out to face the music. That season, we went up as Champions with 105 points, whilst Oxford were relegated to Division Two.