A Lynden Gooch wonder goal in front of 5,000 travelling fans gave Sunderland all three points at MK Dons. The result also means that the Black Cats have extended their unbeaten run to seven games. Sunderland are now sixth in the table, with their promotion push well and truly up and running.
Lynden Gooch Winner Seals Win at MK Dons
Lynden Gooch Wonder Goal Seals Victory
American international Gooch is currently having the best season of his career. Performances have been consistent and goals are coming at a steady rate. Today, he scored his best yet. Cutting in from the right, the American curled the ball expertly into the top corner with his left foot giving the goalkeeper no chance. The strike gave Gooch his eighth goal of the season.
Poor First Half
It was a poor first from both Sunderland and MK Dons. Both teams had half chances but few in the way of clear cut chances. Both teams defended well but failed to break down the opposition defence. A half-time score of 0-0 was a fair reflection of the football on show during the first 45 minutes.
Much Better Second Half For Sunderland
Sunderland’s performance in the second half was much better. The Black Cats looked much more of an attacking threat. Two goal-line clearances in a matter of seconds from the home side prevented Sunderland from taking the lead. Chris Maguire’s free-kick was excellently tipped onto the post from the Dons goalkeeper as the home side struggled to contain their visitors.
The Breakthrough
On 79 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken. Gooch cut inside unleashing an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner. The goalscorer was booked for his celebration in front of the delighted away fans but it was unlikely to take the shine off his goal or the end result.
Seven in a Row and Counting
Seven games undefeated has lifted Sunderland from their lowest ever league position to sixth. Should the Black Cats win their game in hand, they would be just three points off first place.
It has been a remarkable turnaround for Phil Parkinson and his team. His first two months in charge were nothing short of disastrous. However, Parkinson appears to have turned a corner with his side. At the beginning of September, a promotion campaign looked highly unlikely. Now, the odds are getting better with each passing week. Next up is a home game against Doncaster Rovers. A team the Wearsiders defeated away from home at the end of December.
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