Sunderland experienced both good and disappointing times during March. They remained undefeated in the league and progressed to the final of the EFL Trophy. Sadly, defeat on penalties in the final against Portsmouth meant it was a disappointing end to the month.
Sunderland March Round-Up
Unbeaten League Run Continues
The Black Cats kept their unbeaten league run going during March. Their last defeat came in December at Portsmouth. Sunderland are a tough team to beat; however, too many draws this season have seen them struggle to occupy an automatic promotion place. This month saw the Wearsiders draw two of their four league games. A killer touch is needed from now until the end of the season to guarantee promotion.
EFL Trophy Final: A Weekend to Remember Despite Result
The EFL Trophy Final was one to remember and forget. 40,000 fans travelled to the capital and turned the it red and white. Thousands flocked to Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square to show their love and support for their club. No trouble was reported as police while locals and the media praised fans throughout.
At Wembley, both Sunderland and Portsmouth fans had the ground rocking from the first to last minute. Over 85,000 fans, a record for an EFL Trophy final, cheered their team on. Portsmouth defeated the Black Cats on penalties after a dramatic game.
Match Reviews
Plymouth (H) W 2-0
Sunderland entertained mid-table Plymouth Argyle in front of over 32,000 at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats were looking for a third straight victory and succeeded in doing so. Goals in each half secured the three points. Lee Cattermole gave the home side a half-time lead; however, they had to wait until three minutes from time to seal the win. George Honeyman finished Aiden McGeady’s cross.
Bristol Rovers (A) W 2-0 – EFL Trophy Semi-Final
A Wembley final was successfully sealed as the Wearsiders cruised past Bristol Rovers. The visitors started the game with intent but had to wait until just before half-time for the breakthrough, Will Grigg firing in to give Sunderland the lead. The Black Cats began the second half the way they finished the first, with a goal. A Lynden Gooch shot was saved but Lewis Morgan was quickest to the loose ball to make it 2-0.
Wycombe Wanderers (A) D 1-1
Sunderland rescued a point in a dramatic end to the game at Wycombe Wanderers. The home side took a first-half lead as the visitors struggled to get into the game. Sunderland improved in the second half; however, it appeared that a defeat would be suffered. In added on time, persistence paid off as Duncan Watmore was the quickest to a loose ball in the box to rescue a point.
The action was not over. A brawl broke out between the Sunderland and Wycombe benches after George Honeyman attempted to return the ball quickly after it had gone out of play. The brawl resulted in Honeyman and Wycombe’s Nathan Tyson being red carded. Just before the final whistle, Wycombe were reduced to nine men as Marcus Bean was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Watmore.
Barnsley (A) D 0-0
Two promotion contenders met at Barnsley’s Oakwell ground. However, both had to settle for a point in tough weather conditions. Both teams had chances to gain a vital victory, but due to high winds making football difficult, each side were happy with the point earned.
Walsall (H) W 2–1
Sunderland closed the gap in the promotion race as they came from behind to win. Close to 35,000 were in attendance, but they saw Walsall take a surprise lead after just four minutes.
The Black Cats gradually came into the game and Lee Cattermole was once again on the scoresheet. He equalised after his shot hit the post but rebounded off the Walsall keeper and into the goal. Will Grigg scored a well-worked goal in the second half to seal the win. The striker was set up by Charlie Wyke and he fired a low shot into the corner.
Portsmouth (N) D 2-2 EFL Trophy Final
Penalties were needed to separate the two sides in a dramatic EFL Trophy Final at Wembley. 85,000 packed into the ground and produced an excellent atmosphere. Sunderland dominated the first half. An Aiden McGeady free-kick gave them the lead. Their domination really should have resulted in a larger half-time lead.
Portsmouth improved in the second half and came close to equalising several times before they eventually did. A close-range header was unable to be stopped, and it took the game into extra time. Pompey took the lead, Jamal Lowe with a lob over the Sunderland keeper. It looked like that would be the winner; however, the Black Cats and Aiden McGeady were not done. With seconds to spare McGeady scored his second of the day to the delight and relief of fans who made Wembley rock with the noise.
Pompey won the penalty shootout 5-4 after Lee Cattermole had his penalty well saved. Sunderland came as close to lifting a trophy at Wembley since their famous FA Cup win in 1973. They will need to pick themselves up quickly and concentrate on their upcoming games in order to guarantee promotion.
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