Sunderland 2-0 Wycombe Wanderers – Match Report

Report

After 4 years of Sunderland being in the 3rd division, they have finally won promotion back to the Championship thanks to a convincing 2-0 against Wycombe in the Play-off Final.

Sunderland started the game on top, and in the 4th minute, many of the fans inside the stadium thought that a beautifully hit free-kick from Alex Pritchard had went in, however it hit the side netting.

The black Cats’ kept their strong start going as just moments later, Alex Pritchard was involved again but this time he provided a teasing ball into the back post which Ross Stewart just couldn’t finish.

And then, in the 12th minute, the roof was blown off by the Black Cats’ as Elliot Embleton pick up the ball in his own half and drove at the Wycombe defence before blasting the ball past Stockdale in goal.

The ‘keeper arguably should have done alot better but the Sunderland fans will not care, it was a deserved lead.

As the first half went on, Wycombe started to grow into the game but failed to create any major chances.

Sunderland came out in the second half similar to how they did in the first, on top.

The Black Cats’could have doubled their lead on 51 minutes after Alex Pritchard put in a fantastic ball in and Sunderland’s top scorer, Ross Stewart somehow put his header wide.

Despite Wycombe struggling to break Sunderland down throughout, they were nearly given a gift of a goal after Bailey Wright misjudged the flight of the ball and Sam Bikes found himself in on goal.

But Anthony Patterson was quick off of his line and pulled off a brilliant save to keep Sunderland’s lead.

On the 79th minute Ross Stewart made it 2-0 with a wonderfully worked goal.

Alex Pritchard and Patrick Roberts linked up well on the right-hand side before Pritchard managed to cut in and play the ball into Stewart and gave the ‘keeper the eyes and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Delirium in the Sunderland end!

The Black Cats’were able to keep that scoreline until the end and now they are promoted to the Championship!

My Thoughts

After accidentally buying the wrong seats, we were on the front row and we didn’t have the best view of the pitch.

However, it was a great spot to really capture the whole Sunderland end, it was amazing!

One of the best days of my life.

I have never sobbed so much as ‘Can’t help falling in love with you’ played after the final whistle.

Alex Neil, you are a legend!

Thank you to you and this wonderful squad of players!

It feels like a dream!!

Player Ratings

Anthony Patterson – 8/10

Commanded his box well and made the one great save when he was needed.

Lynden Gooch – 8/10

Linked up well at times with Roberts and defended well throughout.

Bailey Wright – 9/10

Another fantastic performance. Despite the one mistake, his performance was flawless.

Danny Batth – 9/10

Similar to Wright! Never lost an Ariel battle, he was a giant at the back.

Dennis Cirkin – 8/10

Defended well throughout. Picked up a cheap yellow card at the start of the second half, but he did well to keep focused and not get sent off.

Corry Evans 9/10

I don’t think he gave the ball away once! He controlled the game throughout, another great performance after a drastic change in his form.

Luke O’Nien 8/10

Battled well throughout and never stopped sprinting.

Patrick Roberts – 9/10

Tortured his man throughout and he always looked dangerous when he was on the ball.

Elliot Embleton – 8/10

Created his goal well and gave 100% throughout.

Alex Pritchard – 9/10

Despit struggling at times to deal with Wycombe’s physicality, Pritchard was still able to cause so many problems and he could have had 2 or 3 assists.

Ross Stewart – 9/10

Missed a great chance at the start of the second half, but he did take his goal brilliantly and never stopped pressurising their back gour. A very hard-working performance.

Jack Clarke – 8/10

Created a couple chances when he came on and was unlucky to score himself.

Nathan Broadhead 6/10

Only played a few minutes. Didn’t do much but closed down well.

Callum Doyle – 7/10

Came on for around 10 minutes to sure up Sunderland’s defence.