Reader’s Corner: A Young Sunderland Fan’s Perfect Day Out at York
· Yahoo Sports
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Hi, I’m Joe. I’m 10 years old and I’m from Ashington. However, unlike the majority of people here, my blood flows red and white. It’s been passed down through my family ever since my great-great-grandfather discovered the world of Sunderland AFC.
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I am a season ticket holder in the East Stand and love attending matches with my dad, grandad, uncle and cousin.
This is my experience of the York away day through my eyes…
Over the last few weeks there has been a gap. Since we confirmed Europe on that magical day against Chelsea, I have been longing for the exhilaration – the highs and lows – that come with supporting Sunderland. Not even watching the World Cup could match seeing the Lads at the SoL. Finally, a chance to see the wizards once again.
Thousands of Mackems and I woke up with visions of Enzo dancing around defenders. Me and my dad set off on a jolly boys’ outing. After a quick detour to the architectural wonder of Legends Way, we arrived at the park and ride, thinking we were nowhere near the stadium – not knowing it was hidden behind a cinema and bowling alley.
We joined the rest of the Elvis Army and watched on in delight as the team bus arrived.
As we entered the stadium and found our seats, it felt great to be back!
As the players ran out, I got confused. Had I stumbled across a magic show? No – it was just Enzo Le Fée!
Finally, the main event got under way and, straight away, you could see the talent.
On six minutes, Ta Bi picked up the ball in the right channel. One touch, two, three… then he spotted Le Fée on the edge of the area and – wham! – it was past the keeper and into the bottom-left corner. 1 – 0 to the Lads.
The Red and White Army completely dominated in all aspects, both on the pitch and in the stands. The highlight for me was hearing, “Elborg, give us a wave!”, to which he happily obliged before receiving a huge cheer.
York couldn’t break through the Sunderland defence and it was wave after wave of attack. This move looked especially promising as Tutierov played it through to Enzo, who chipped the keeper beautifully – but the flag was up for offside.
Hume then played it through to Rigg, who was the coolest man in the ground as he dropped his shoulder and placed it into the bottom-left corner. 2 – 0.
Just minutes later, Tutierov cut inside and fired into the top corner from about 30 yards. What a masterpiece from the young Ukrainian! 3 – 0.
It’s been nothing but goals. The team look very promising so far.
Elborg played it to Tutierov. What a game he was having! He picked out Le Fée, who was unmarked just inside the box, and he calmly slotted it past the keeper to make it 4 – 0.
Hurriedly, I walked down to the front row with my autograph book. I shouted as loudly as I could for Enzo, but he was too far away to hear me. Never mind!
Just as I was about to return to my seat, I heard the unmistakable voice of Marco Gabbiadini and immediately sprinted to where he was standing, hoping for an autograph. Sadly, no luck there either.
The whole team was replaced by the promising youngsters from the Under-21s, alongside Leo Hjelde, Simon Moore and Jenson Seelt.
Straight away, York broke past Hjelde on the halfway line. It was one-on-one against Seelt but, just as the York attacker was about to shoot, Seelt made a brilliant last-ditch challenge to save the day and concede only a corner.
It was a good delivery into Hollie in the six-yard box and he headed past Moore to score a consolation goal.
How would Sunderland react? We didn’t have to wait long.
Whittaker picked up the ball inside his own half and spotted Dinsdale making a run down the left. He played a superb through ball and, with only one defender to beat, Dinsdale drove forward. Just as the ball looked to be running out of play, he produced a brilliant Cruyff turn into the penalty area before unselfishly crossing for Procter, who headed home.
Just like that, Sunderland restored their four-goal lead to make it 5 – 1.
For the rest of the game, both teams battled away, but in the end there could only be one winner… and, yes, you guessed it – Sunderland!
But the day’s not over yet.
There was still one thing left to do.
Head through the labyrinth of shops behind the stadium and fulfil every child’s dream – collecting autographs.
And, finally, we got Enzo Le Fée’s.
By Joe Neil, aged ten