Town stormed to their first Premiership win with a superb display for which Sunderland had little answer. A magnificent Kevin Beattie-like goal from centre-half Titus Bramble gave Town the points, but in truth the margin of victory should have been much much more.
The Blues started brightly but created little in a first half that saw referee Graham Poll, him of this week’s card controversy, decidedly unwilling to show cards. Had he been in a different mood Niall Quinn would certainly have seen a red card for a blatant kick on Titus Bramble. Quinn was spoken to by the official but he seemed reluctant to take even the merest of action. Quinn was constantly bested by Bramble while the rest of the Town defence showed strength when pressured and willing to come forward with pace and guile.
Stewart missed a good chance for Town when put through by good work from the once again excellent Fabian Wilnis. Macho in the Sunderland goal got down well as he shot to his left.
At the other end Kevin Phillips missed a sitter, hitting the ball over the bar when one-on-one with Wright.
At half-time the game could have gone either way, although Town had had the better of the play and Sunderland had had the better of the chances, Stewart’s aside. The second half saw Town much the better with Quinn’s height once again Sunderland’s only idea.
Town took the lead in the 57th minute when Bramble won the ball from Kevin Phillips ten yards outside the Town box. He brought the ball forward, won a crunching challenge with a Sunderland midfielder before laying the ball off to Marcus Stewart. Stewart held the ball up neatly before playing the ball into the 19-year-old’s path. Titus looked up and hammered the ball to Macho’s right with all the aplomb of an experienced striker. The rest of the Town players ran over to him and eventually wrestled him to the floor. It was a superb goal from a player who has already made a huge impression on the Premiership.
Sunderland pressed forward for much of the rest of the game, but lacked ideas. Quinn was constantly picked up for fouls by referee Poll and yet no action was taken. Jermaine Wright picked up a silly booking for a deliberate handball as Town defended resolutely.
On the break Town were proving very dangerous. Jim Magilton missed a gilt-edged opportunity to increase Town’s lead when put through with only Macho to beat. He took too long and made too many shimmies and the chance was gone. David Johnson missed in similar circumstances before putting the ball home after good work down the right from Wilnis. Sadly the linesman’s flag was raised. Johnson also went close with a dipping shot from the edge of the area which hit the bar.
Graham Poll finally blew his whistle and Town had won their first Premiership game since their return. It was nothing more than was deserved and as heartening a start to the season as we could have expected.
R Wright, Wilnis, Clapham, Bramble, Hreidarsson, Venus, Holland, Magilton, J Wright, Johnson, Stewart (Scowcroft).