SOS: MAN UTD

Since we last played Manchester a lot has changed. This has been well documented. Their owners greed has no place in football and has destroyed the heart of the club. Nuff said. I'll put my soap box away now. Playing in the wake of storm Amy, Sunderland kicked off looking to continue the best start of a newly promoted team in 13 years. Unlucky for some...

Bertrand got his first start for us after looking mildly promising last week and Adingra returned to work his magic, putting it on a plate for the aforementioned winger early on. Bum-o returned the favour but was thwarted by the steady foot of Arthur. 'Sing your hearts out for the lads' rang through the stands.

On 8 minutes we were undone by a right foot from Mason Mount, even full stretch Roefs couldn't keep it out. Bugger.

We cracked on.

20 minutes in and with both teams on the front and midfields going hell for leather it was Amad's turn to test our keeper, cutting in and firing on his left. Bum-o had a go a minute later as the Devils began to look dangerous. The rain came down and we continued to look for our first shot on the game.

Minutes later the sun was back out (yes I'm talking about the weather) as Bruno gave RR another chance to show he was worth every penny of his price tag, another highlight reel stop for our Dutchman. As we lined up for the following corner I definitely spotted some bickering between our players, although it was brief this was the first time I'd seen anyone lose their cool this season. Half an hour in we hadn't had a single shot on target.

After 33 minutes Sesko got what felt like their inevitable second. This woke us up a bit as we finally began to press the home teams box, registering our first shot of the match. A rare and proactive first half substitute saw big Dan Ballard replace Adingra, who'd looked decent but proactive tactics are a must 2 nil down away from home. Regis changed things up...

Granit had a fair crack and tested their keeper from range. The resulting corner was also defended by the wind as our Captain failed to get it past the front post. As the half drew to a close a lengthy var check was called upon for a possible boot to the face of Hume in the penalty area. The replay showed it was the ball that hit him Hume in the face, whilst the opposing player's boot was high too it didn't connect with Hume so no penalty - Corner. Big Dan found the looping ball but sadly wasn't on target, a good chance.

The rain upped to threat level: 'minging' and we headed in to half time looking soggy.

Second half we tried to build on our progress but Man U had other plans as they continued to throw everything they could at us. The Ref decided he was sick of Traore's 'falling' over and booked him. The tosspot (ref). Replays show that Utd got away with one, shock, as Traore got himself into a good position and was sandwiched by Bruno Fernandes and their keeper but somehow we got nothing from it. On another day, or if the boot was on the other foot a red card could have been brandished. Regis also decided he'd had enough too and made a triple change with half an hour to go.

Traore, Wilson and Masuaku for Talbi, Eli & Mr Brobbey. RLB was not messing around.

Early signs were good with Eli managing to get into their box and win us a corner. Once again we went near post and it was quashed quickly. Talbi saw a shot promising shot blocked by a hoard of players. 10 mins passed by with little to sing about but that didn't stop the RAWA, who hadn't let the score or the weather dampen their spirits. Nordi decided we was a winger now and was getting forward more than most, sending a screaming cross in just past Mr Brobbey's big toe.

After a skyed effort from Eli, a knackered Hume was replaced the dyslexics nightmare - Lutsharel Geertruida. I'll call him Gerty from now on...

Ten minutes to go...

Five minutes to go...

Five minutes added time announced.

A routine save from Roefs on 90 mins. Our second decent break saw Eli find Talbi, who was denied a golden opportunity to make the final 5 minutes fun. Anywhere other than right down the middle and we'd have had an exciting end to proceedings, unfortunately that wasn't the case.

Full Time - You know the score.

Fairly even in the stats except for where I really counts. 'If we'd capitalised on Traore's early chance...' Blah, blah, blah. Now for the international break. Hopefully this will give us time reflect and not overthink things as we look to host Wolves.

Chin up, Crack on

Keep the faith

GPD