That’s right, I’m stating it now, the Carling Cup will have Sunderland in it. If our youngins keep scoring like they did in this match, like Jordan Henderson in the first half, and Frazier Campbell in the second then we’ll be set. I’m not saying that the Black Cats can for sure beat beat the top ten, but if those teams take the competition as a way to get their Youth teams experience then we can win it all.

From the Gaffer

“At times some of our football was excellent, and the two boys at the back gave us a bit of solidarity, experience and know-how. I don’t think our goalkeeper’s had a serious shot to save.”

I’m delighted for Jordan [getting his goal]. The kid’s had a great pre-season and I think he’ll be a big player for the club.

“There’s nothing like your first goal and he epitomised what we are all about today – he was full of life, full of energy and it was a very, very good performance from the kid.

“Fraizer’s worked extremely hard over the last few weeks too so I’m pleased he got off the mark as well.

“I think the referee felt a bit sorry for them in the last half-hour – he seemed to give them everything. I’ve seen the replay of John Mensah’s goal and it should have stood.”

“Realistically, this trophy is one of the only ones we can win, along with the FA Cup. A nice draw in the next round and you never know.

“I’m not too bothered who we get as long as it’s at home and I’m delighted with tonight’s result.”

The only thing I don’t like about these mid-week cup competition, is that the lads will be tired, and with the club playing Wolverhampton this weekend, they need their legs. I just hope that Sunderland can come through with a win this weekend.

Game Results

League Cup

Sunderland 4-1 over Norwich Shiity err City

With any match report I only report the Black Cats who score, because if you want to know about the other team, read their blog. (I’m greedy).

Teeemu, Andy Reid (two goals)

Reaction from Black Cats Boss Steve Bruce

“Andy Reid’s done extremely well with his fitness and conditioning – he’s come back and lost something like nine kilos from last year. All he can do is play like that and he’s posed a few questions.

“That’s the nice part of management, when you’ve got people knocking on the door, so we’ll see what happens.

“It was the first time I’ve seen Craig Gordon live and he made two or three wonderful saves. We were comfortable but the goalkeeper’s had to make a couple of really important saves.”

I almost don’t want to report on the next match we’ve played because it wasn’t a win, and it wasn’t against Stoke. And then bug me to no end, they’re just so boring. But we lost 1-0 and that stinks.

Reaction from Black Cat Boss Steve Bruce

“Our Achilles heel was to defending corner kicks.

“Bolton, Blackburn and now Stoke have asked the questions and three out of five goals we’ve conceded have been from set pieces.

“We were more spirited in the second half but couldn’t deliver that final ball into the box.”

Sunderland left it late today at City Ground, having to rely on a late equalizer by Bardo and an extra time winner by new-guy David Healy to defeat Nottingham Forest 2-1 in their opening Carling Cup match. Robert Earnshaw had put Forest up 1-0 in the 60th minute on a free kick from 20 yards out.

Since I have been supporting the club (05/06 season), I think this is the second game they have won in any cup competition. Also, this makes two road wins in 5 days, for a team that won precisely one game on the road all of last season. Things they are a-changing on Wearside, it would seem.

One touch of gray for today’s win is the injury sustained by Steed Malbranque midway through the first half. I have no idea yet how serious the injury is, but he “had been hurt in a challenge, [and] limped off.” Steed has been a very bright spot on the right side of the midfield since joining Sunderland from Spurs last month, and it would be all kinds of suck to lose him just as the team is starting to come together and play well early in this season.