A week ago I was recovering from a dramatic day. The previous week I had traveled to Sunderland having seen them win at Coventry on TV. But Coventry scored and the game in extra time was heading for penalties. But Dan Ballard headed in from a late corner to win creating one of the loudest roars ever at the Stadium of Light. The scenes of celebrations were wild. I returned to the quiet of my room at Lumley Castle, driving home the next day.
Then the next week I spent most of my time keeping an eye on ticket situation, but Sunderland did not sell any tickets to non season ticket holders, so I was resigned (but happy) to watch the game on TV.
But a late surprise resulted in 2 tickets to the game, in the Bobby Moore room no less. So at noon we were found queuing to enter Wembley for the game against Sheffield United. We were on table 72, with a few Sheffield Wednesday supporters who wanted Sunderland to win. It was agreed it would be difficult to beat Sheffield United. There were team and formation changes with Mundle starting and Roberts and Isidor on the bench. Our seats were in row 4 right next to the Sunderland dugout.
At half time Sheffield led 1 – 0, VAR had overruled a second for them and it was agreed it would difficult to turn the game around in the second half. But this did happen. Sunderland equalised in a move where Roberts put away Mayenda on 76 minutes and then in the 95th minute a misplaced back pass was taken by Tommy Watson to curl a dramatic winner just inside the post.
The scenes of celebration were wild, Sunderland lifted the trophy and came down past us.
Once celebration was finished on the pitch with the fans, we retired back to the Bobby Moore room where celebration of the players continued with the fans there present (including us).
Only a week later am I now reflecting on how great it was but how difficult it will be to stay in the Premier League. We will need really a point a game to be in with a chance of staying up. Another challenge awaits.