Middlesbrough travel the short distance north on Saturday to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. There has been much debate in recent years as to whether this is a derby; however, there’s no denying that there’s a rivalry between two clubs that are just 30 miles apart. It’s a rivalry that began with the first game in November 1887 and will continue well past the 152nd this weekend.
More than 45,000 are expected at the game with the majority hoping for a home win. Here is a look back at just five classic games between Sunderland and Middlesbrough played on Wearside at either Roker Park or the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland vs Middlesbrough: Five Classic Games From History
1973, Sunderland 4-0 Middlesbrough
Sunderland were in the process of being resurrected by the soon-to-be Messiah and FA Cup-winning manager Bob Stokoe. The Black Cats cup run was underway and with confidence rising they welcomed Middlesbrough to Roker Park ahead of their famous fifth-round tie against Manchester City.
Prior to Stokoe’s arrival before Christmas Sunderland were fearing relegation from England’s second tier; however, the team finished sixth and won the FA Cup. This 4-0 victory not only continued their upturn in form it also avenged the 2-1 defeat suffered at Middlesbrough on the opening day of the 1972/73 season.
Goals from Mick Horswill, Vic Halom, Billy Hughes and Dennis Tueart sealed the points to send the fans home happy and build momentum ahead of their clash with City in the cup.
1989, Sunderland 2-1 Middlesbrough
The Black Cats came from behind to beat Boro at Roker Park on a sunny August afternoon. Current Sunderland head coach Tony Mowbray lined up for the visitors. A scrappy Bernie Slaven goal gave Boro the lead halfway through the first half but Gary Bennett equalised after barging his way through on goal before finding the net. Eric Gates and Colin Pascoe then carved open the visitor’s defence with the latter firing into the top corner to spark celebrations amongst the home fans.
Sunderland would go on to win promotion this season beating main rivals Newcastle United in the playoffs along the way. Middlesbrough meanwhile struggled but escaped relegation thanks to a 4-1 victory over Newcastle on the final day of the season.
1996, Sunderland 2-2 Middlesbrough
Sunderland came from behind and with 10 men to secure a vital point against a Boro side packed with stars. The visitors had been spending big and player/manager Bryan Robson had brought the likes of Italian striker Fabrizio Ravenelli, Brazilians Emerson and Juninho amongst others in an attempt to secure their long-term future in the Premier League.
Sunderland had just been promoted but money was tight due to the upcoming move to the Stadium of Light. However, manager Peter Reid had brought in Premier League experience in striker Niall Quinn and goalkeeper Tony Coton. Also arriving was Scotland midfielder Alex Rae. Sadly both Quinn and Coton suffered serious injuries early in the season.
Middlesbrough took the lead twice in this game in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Roker Park. An Emerson thunderbolt gave them the lead on 18 minutes but Alex Rae equalised just three minutes later from the penalty spot. A close-range finish from Ravenelli after a scramble in the box gave the visitors the lead again on 53 minutes.
The Black Cats were then reduced to 10 men when defender Richard Ord was sent off for a stamp on Nicky Barmby. However, inspired by captain Kevin Ball, Sunderland would not accept defeat. On 61 minutes, Ball drove through the Middlesbrough defence and crossed to Craig Russell to score the equaliser.
Sunderland, despite their injury problems, put up a fight but were relegated despite earning 40 points, a total which would have normally seen the club avoid the drop. Middlesbrough were also relegated despite their spending spree.
2008, Sunderland 3-2 Middlesbrough
A dramatic injury-time winner settled this game in 2008 for Roy Keane’s men at the Stadium of Light. Keane had inspired Sunderland’s promotion the previous season and had spent heavily to improve his squad in the hope of keeping them in the Premier League.
It had been a tough season for the Black Cats but when Middlesbrough visited in late April 2008 they knew a win would secure their status in the top flight. The away team had future Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole in their side as well as cult hero Julio Arca who had moved from Wearside to Teeside at the beginning of the previous season.
Two goals in the first six minutes got the contest off to a flying start. Tuncay scored for Boro on four minutes before a Danny Higginbotham header equalised for the home team. Michael Chopra then gave Sunderland a halftime lead. The lead would last until the 73rd minute when Alfonso Alves scored from an Arca cross.
It appeared that the game would end in a draw; however, Sunderland had become known for playing to the very final whistle and scoring late goals. This game was no different. With Boro seemingly happy to take a point, the Black Cats went in for the kill. On 92 minutes substitute Daryl Murphy met a corner with a header to give Sunderland the points they needed for safety.
Roy Keane appeared delighted with his team at full-time. He said: “It was a cracking game, which summed up our season.
“We’ve scored great goals this season and with the players we have we’ll always be likely to score late on. We’ve had many setbacks – we showed the desire needed here today and you always get your rewards in football.”
2018, Sunderland 3-3 Middlesbrough
Sunderland were desperate for any points they could get and in this thrilling game, they showed the fans some fight that had been desperately missing. However, this type of fighting spirit was seen rarely as they struggled for the majority of this season before being relegated with a whimper.
It was an end-to-end game and as is usual in these games, tempers can flare at any moment. Joel Asoro struck on 11 minutes to give the Black Cats the lead, a lead they would take into halftime; however, both teams went down to 10 min during the first half with Jake Clarke-Salter and Adama Traore sent off with few having any complaints about the red cards.
Middlesbrough appeared to handle their disadvantage the better as Patrick Bamford and a Grant Leadbitter penalty gave the visitors an early second-half lead. Their advantage would last just five minutes as Jonny Williams levelled the scores.
Patrick Bamford scored his second to give Boro the lead once again and it appeared that the home side would suffer defeat once again.
However, fans were delighted to see some fight in their players as they went searching for an equaliser and on 96 minutes they found it. A corner found winger Callum McManaman unmarked at the back post to volley in the equaliser.
