Sunderland 1 Gillingham 1 – the magic of the FA Cup!!

Early start for a home game, but needs must. Steady drive North, with the usual excitement at seeing the sea.

Glorious

Not exactly a tie to set the pulse racing, but we should win? It’s only Round 1, but The magic of the cup…….

Sunderland v Gillingham the magic of the FA Cup

Sunderland v Gillingham Match report

Game on, smash these today no problem

Half time….

Half time 1-0. Soft goal due to a keeping error, but deserve to be more than 1-0 up, we missed a couple of good chances, notably MaGuire after De Bock put it on a plate for him. We looked OK though, especially down the right with McLaughin and O’Nien combining well. So far so good.

Full time Sunderland 1 Gillingham 1. We were piss poor 2nd half, they upped their physicality. Error for the goal, but they definitely deserved a draw and the longer the game went on, they looked the more likely winners.

Awful mistake from JM for the equaliser, (but he’ll know that), made a really good save shortly after when they looked nailed onto score, (from our corner!)

Fans are often, (rightly), praised for the numbers they travel in. Not many Gills fans there today – but 100% respect to anyone making a 598 mile round trip for a 1pm kick off?

Today was pretty desperate, don’t really want to dwell on it too much – but here’s a few observations/key points…..

Lots had an off day, but there was very little quality on display today
We’ve gone from looking like we have goals all over the pitch, (McGeady, Watmore, McNulty, MaGuire, Gooch), to looking like we carry very little attacking threat. Yes, lots had an off day, but we look leggy, tired and flat.
8’000 in the SOL is not ideal; BUT…..conversely it’s the hardcore in attendance- remember the atmosphere vs Man U in the cup semi with only 22’000 home fans in the ground? Give us something to shout about and the atmosphere will come.
Will Grigg – loathe to single him out. But fucking hell Will – what’s going on? At least look like you give a shit. Your performance today was an absolute disgrace. I like to back everyone in red and white – but I’m struggling pal, I’m really fucking struggling
Not unique to today, but an owner not attending is no good? Is the reason…. Abuse, (horrible and uncalled for)? But not sure it’s been at the level that has been suggested? If personal abuse was at a level that the owner of a club feels he can’t have any fan interaction or attend games, I’d expect a club statement and Northumbria Police statement? It doesn’t wash with me Stewart, (game of opinions as always)
Not all bad, couple of positives…. hardly any traffic and wasn’t dark for the drive home

So….. a fucking replay.

Given it was a smaller than usual attendance than normal today, here’s the match highlights……

Not a good game, dreadfully poor 2nd half, I’ve seen some really bad games of football – today was right up there! I’ll leave it there as going to write all manner of stuff over the next few days. Only 2 sleeps and SAFCBlog will be at Scunthorpe… what a time to be alive?

At least we’re not playing next weekend?

https://youtu.be/y569bjfIAnk