Ka|
aSb PRE-SEASON IN PORTUGAL
SPORTING LISBON 1 SUNDERLAND 3
MATCH FACTS
Estadio Municipal, Albufeira Trophy of Albufeira
Monday 20th July 2008
^KtuO^
Sunderland received a
magnificent trophy for
winning the game.
Nyron Nosworthy and Roy
O'Donovan both scored their
first goals for the club.
20 players were given a
run out in this opening
build up match.
Sporting include former 'Boro
midfielder Rochemback.
It was turned 11.00pm by the
time the match was concluded.
Prior to any new signings arriving,
Sunderland's 'Last Minute Heroes' of
last season continued where they left
off: beating teams late on. Two goals
in the final six minutes turned this into
a handsome victory despite being
down to ten men, having had Roy
Keane sent to the stands and having
trailed at half time. With a first ever
Sunderland goal for Nyron Nosworthy
who later lifted a massive trophy it was
an incident packed start to the season
for the 900 travelling Sunderland
fans in the sell out crowd of 5,000.
Sporting took the lead just before the
half hour with a blistering free kick from
the Brazilian 'Ronny' only for the Lads
to level ten minutes
after the break when
Roy O'Donovan took
advantage of inventive
wing play by Anthony
Stokes to clinically
despatch his first goal
at first team level.
A draw would have
been a creditable start
against a side destined
to play Champions
League football this
season but that task
became more difficult
as Michael Chopra was
dismissed for a foul with
Roy Keane following
First Game...
First
him to the stands as the match officials
took exception to the Gaffer questioning
the fourth official over what looked
like a harsh dismissal. Sunderland's last
competitive game in Europe had been
away to Sporting in 1973: "There are
no such things as friendlies are there?"
suggested Keane afterwards and this
one certainly had a competitive edge
although much of the joy when Nugsy
headed home was sheer delight that one
of the most whole hearted players in the
squad finally had a Sunderland goal to
his name. Moments later it was all over
as the lively O'Donovan's run led to a
chance which Stokes slammed home.
ROB MASON
NYRON NOSWORTHY
FINALLY GOT THAT
GOALSCORING
FEELING IN A
SUNDERLAND SHIRT
