Behind Enemy Lines - Part One

Hi, I'm Paul and I'm Sunderland mad. I was brought up just a Barry Siddall goal kick from Roker Park (Siddall was the SAFC 'keeper the day I was born). I now live, some may say unfortunately, on the other side of the great divide...Tyneside. This is my occasional blog from behind enemy lines.

Massive Game At The Cottage

This Sunday we travel for the second consecutive away fixture, this time at Fulham where we are unbeaten in two trips. This is a massive game for me. Lose again and our confidence could take a big knock, as we can't seem to force results against the teams below us in the table. Win though, and we can begin to push on again into the second half of the season.

We've had a decent record at Craven Cottage since our last promotion, winning 3-1 in 2007 under Roy Keane and unlucky not to win last year after Kieran Richardson's free kick goal was disallowed for some unseen (apart from the ref!) infringement in the wall. I remember watching that game and we completely dominated but were so unlucky in front of goal. Talking of luck, that's exactly what we need at the moment, as it has deserted us of late.

The return of Kenwyne Jones this weekend will be massive. We've missed him badly in my opinion. His absence has in part, forced Steve Bruce to play five across the midfield, with Bent on his own up front. Jones is a huge player for us, not only for his goals and threat in the air, but for his all round play. He makes space for others, holds the ball up well & makes goals.

I feel we'll see a better performance from the Lads against an injury hit Fulham side.

Prediction: 1-1

Support of Bent Important

Much has been written and talked about of last weeks incident with Darren Bent's mother. One thing that all SAFC supporters must do is support Bent to the hilt and support the Kick It Out campaign.

Fortunate Toon?

One of the things that has struck me over the last few months, over here in Tyneside, despite Newcastle United topping the Championship, is the lack of crowing from the Black & Whites I know. This could mean one of two things...1) The Mags have finally learned that they aren't going to surge into the Champions League and are back down to earth or 2) They know how fortunate they've been this season. I poor side, but less poor than an abysmal Championship this season. I'm going for option 2!

That's all from me for now
Ha'Way The Lads
PW

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