The Lights go out in Sunderland Posted by mannumberone on March 29, 2012 · Leave a Comment

After the euphoria of seeing Chesterfield win at Wembley the previous weekend, it was back to the F.A. Cup trail. Sadly I was unable to get to Sunderland for the replay against Everton, mainly as I was busy during the day, but also because I couldn’t afford the petrol and ticket!

Fortunately, it was being screened on the telly, even if it was ITV! I knew I would have to sit through Adrian Chiles yapping away while his guests feign interest, probably wishing they were somewhere else!

As I couldn’t be there in person, I thought I would be there in spirit. Starting off at The Old Oak Tree pub, we sat in the beer garden with a pint. The walk from the pub to the Ground (house), is a brief one, but we had to contend with a steep hill on the way there.

As Man Number Five was over to stay, I explained he had to watch football with me and we could catch up on Big Fat Gypsy Weddings afterwards!

I got the beers ready and we settled in for the big game. Man Number Five asked for my prediction; 3-1 Everton, he went 2-1 Everton, both going for the blues!

I was hoping for a good game. Sunderland had somehow managed to hold out for a draw in the first tie at Goodison Park. This time they would have the home advantage, and with a Ground that looked like it was at full capacity (yet only half full against Arsenal earlier in the Cup run). The team would have 38,000 fans cheering them on, with fingers crossed for a trip to Wembley.

I imagine Everton would have felt a little annoyed at having a replay, especially after their Second Half display in the last match. Everton manager David Moyes had said in interviews that the F.A. Cup was a priority… So good to hear that again!

His team came out with guns blazing – just like they had ended the first tie – which Sunderland couldn’t match. Everton looked stronger and almost scored early on. They continued to apply pressure forcing the Sunderland keeper to make several good saves. It was only a matter of time before they scored, which they eventually did, midway through the First Half. A good build up and great cross allowed the Everton striker to fire low into the bottom corner. Goal!

As time ticked on, Sunderland looked out of their depth, struggling with the Everton attack. They did have the odd chance and just before Half Time, they broke free, but in the end it came to nothing. Half Time 0-1.

Girl Number One was making homemade pizzas (vegie, meatfeast and seafood). And like the star that she is, they were ready just in time for the break. Just as well really, it allowed us to talk about other things, meaning we didn’t have to listen to the pundits blabbering away on TV. Pizza rating 9/10, it was gooooood!

The Second Half started and Martin O’Neil had made a change in a bid to match Everton. It didn’t really alter much, as Everton were on a roll; it was all one way traffic and Sunderland once again had to thank their keeper for keeping them in the game.

A moment of madness allowed Everton grab their second and ultimately the winner, as the Sunderland defender somehow managed to put the ball into his own net when trying to clear the danger from the area. A bit of bad fortune for the defender, but another goal was on the cards at some point.

The end was getting close and Sunderland had a chance to grab a late goal to set up a grandstand finish, but the strikers shot was tamely fired into the body of the Everton keeper.

The Referee called time meaning a deserved victory for Everton. In their honour I cracked open the toffee cake I had. They now go on to face Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on 14th April.

Two derby Semi Finals in the F.A. Cup…, that is why this competition is so fantastic!

Final score: Sunderland 0, Everton 2

Attendance: 3

At the Ground: 43 140