Kelvin Beattie

We went into this season as promotion favourites, but it seemed as if every team we played was keen to put one over us and our cup exploits were testing the stamina and capacity of the squad.

The lack of real news during the international break has set the rumour mill in motion — so how do you feel when you hear stories about Jobe and Riggy being linked with moves away?

Ninian Park was mud bound and icy wind lashed, but the Black Cats had a secret weapon as birthday boy Bobby Kerr produced a stunning player of the match performance.

He may have been Newcastle born, but that did not stop us taking him to our hearts for the seven years he wore our colours. Happy Birthday Dennis Tueart, seventy-four years old today.

The season to date had been mixed to say the least, the manner of this performance and victory would serve to heighten expectations once more for the rest of the season!

The Red Devils took the points, but Sunderland earn the plaudits for a fine performance.

Bottom of the table, no win in ten games, Christmas just round the corner and next up at Roker Park the Arsenal. Four reasons to be fearful, but somebody forgot to tell Gary Rowell!

Relegation was more of a concern for Sunderland going into the festive period — could we turn things around on Christmas Day?

RR's Kelvin Beattie reflects on the Boxing Day journey to Blackburn, as seven thousand Mackems headed to Lancashire in good spirits and fine voice!

With a raft of stars injured, Sunderland looked like lambs to the Red Devils’ slaughter, but it didn’t pan out that way, as Kelvin Beattie delves into the archives