BO(r)ING, BO(r)ING…….

First away game of the season is always a good reason to get the juices flowing. When we say juices we do of course mean those of the amber nectar variety. The journey began at around 9am with three or four hours of drinking and driving ahead of us. I presume it wise to point out that those drinking were not driving.

Landing at destination West Bromwich at approximately 1330 hour we made the ten minute stroll to the Hawthorns and then enjoyed a first (of many) over priced, poor quality lager! There was a feeling of optimism in the air as the sell out away following (who were in fine voice) began filtering into the ground.

Soon the concourse was awash with the usual Sunderland and anti that lot up the road ditty’s, before a huge rendition of a new song for our latest Paraguayan went up. The chant has a real South American feel to it and is obviously keen to point out the wonders of magical exactness. (woooah-woooooah-wooooooooh)

As kick off approached it was time to take to the stands. It was refreshing to see that the vast majority of our followers possessed the ability to remain on their feet whilst watching a football match. I think it is no coincidence that a crowd who by and large stood throughout produced an atmosphere we were once accustomed to (it was loud and it was constant).

The first 45 sailed by without much incident, although the home side managed to miss a decent chance in front of goal. The debutant somehow pushing a ball well wide of Mignolets right hand post when well placed. Despite the lack of entertainment on the grass the away section was bursting with colour and passion, as the home fans (sat in silence) were privy to an array of chants from the ever growing Sunderland song book. Riveros’, Da-Silva’s and Frazier Campbell songs seemed to be on a loop at times and the ground was rocking to the sound of Gary Rowell’s anthem.

Half time was spent queuing for more essential fuel and singing. It is away crowds like the one at West Brom which makes following Sunderland worthwhile. Let’s face it, it certainly isn’t about results. Henderson’s banana splits tune was given its first airing (that I know of anyway) and is likely to be a terrace favourite. (who wouldn’t want to proudly declare a player of theirs to be just like them and hates the mags!?).

The second 45 was a little better in terms of goal mouth action for the away side. Bent headed a half chance wide, Bent failed to get a solid touch on a Campbell through ball which would have seen him in on goal and Onouha directed a tame header straight at the home keeper. Richardson also had a snap shot which was tipped away (apparently) for a corner.

The winning goal for the home side came with less than 9 remaining. We had been warned first half and we weren’t about to be let off for a second time. Da-Silva and Bramble left enough space for a bus to pass through (this time it wasn’t a bus, it was a slide rule pass from Morrison) to allow the new un to poke home on debut. In all honesty it wouldn’t be Sunderland if a lad on debut didn’t score! There was still enough time for Brunt to almost break the bar from distance before the referee brought things to a close.

1 from 6 but still, we have two home games in a week to look forward to. A cup tie against Colchester and a Sunday afternoon stroll against City.

Highlight: Sunderland’s travelling band
Lowlight: Our lack of ideas in the final third