Defeat in the EFL Trophy Cup Final was disappointing for all connected to Sunderland. Not just for the players and staff, but for the 40,000 supporters who travelled to the capital and turned it Red and White. And also those who could not make the trip.
The time to dwell on this may be over for some, but for those fans and players who are still feeling down, now is not the time. The league season is drawing to close and promotion is theirs for the taking. Those who want to dwell on the cup final should do so at the end of the season.
Sunderland’s Promotion Fight the Focus Now
It Doesn’t get Easier but Must Be Ready to go Again
Since winning the FA Cup in 1973, Sunderland have visited Wembley seven times. In two League Cup Finals, one FA Cup Final, two Playoff Finals, an EFL Trophy Final and a Centenary Tournament, the Black Cats have failed to win.
For the thousands that have attended these games, defeat doesn’t get any easier. That goes for the players too. Both fans and especially the players must get ready to go again. Starting on Wednesday away at Accrington Stanley.
Nine More Cup Finals Ahead
Currently sitting in fourth place in League One, Sunderland are in the middle of a battle for promotion. The Black Cats are desperate to get out of League One at the first attempt. Each game from now until the last will be like a cup final, and Sunderland must do all they can to avoid a potential trip to Wembley again this season via the playoffs. Automatic promotion is theirs for the taking and they have the games and quality to achieve their aim.
Three Games in Hand on top Two
Going into Wednesday’s game at Accrington, Sunderland have three games in hand over those who occupy first and second. Barnsley are currently in second place, six points ahead, while Luton are top with a 13-point advantage over the Black Cats. Should those three games result in victories, Sunderland will leapfrog Barnsley and be in pole position for automatic promotion.
Promotion a Bigger Prize than EFL Trophy
Yes, the EFL Trophy Cup Final was hard to take; however, the prize should Sunderland get the results they need, is much much greater than the EFL Trophy. The future is in the hands of the players and staff. Fans, as always, will give their all and should promotion to the Championship be achieved, the EFL Cup Final will be only remembered for the good time had by all who visited London and Wembley.
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