A relatively local game for me and my first trip to the Stadium of Light. Large ground, good location close to the city centre and the feel of a big club matchday. The away games at the likes of Altrincham and Droylsden feel a long time ago.
Performance wise we were good-ish in the first half and fairly poor in the second when we got overrun in midfield and I think Whyte and particularly Holland tired. Probably lucky to hold on to a point, but Sunderland only sporadically put us under serious pressure. The best thing from my perspective is that we made a bright start and the early Sunderland goal, against the run of play, didn't change anything - shows a conviction and confidence in the team.
A very good result, given a right back was playing at left back (and Long did a good job but looked uncomfortable occasionally) plus the residual covid hangover.