Back in 2007, Sunderland went to Luton for the last game of the season as a side already promoted to the Premier League under Roy Keane. A sensational 5-0 victory, and Birmingham’s defeat at Preston, gave Keano the title. This is how, 11 years ago, the youthful Salut! Sunderland recorded the win.
Less than four months later, we were back at Kenilworth Road for a League Cup game. Greg Halford was sent off and the match ended with a comfortable 3-0 victory for the Hatters.
Luton then suffered a decline that makes ours look like a minor blip, massive points deductions for financial irregularities leading to five seasons out of the Football League. The fightback has, on paper, been stunning with four good seasons culminating in promotion from League Two in May.
And now we meet again. If you thought the opening game vs Charlton was hard work – see our most recent report, in which John McCormick assesses Jack Ross’s team player by player, at this link – this one may be tougher still. Luton apparently played well at promotion-tipped Portsmouth despite losing 1–0 and will be massively up for our visit.
Have a go at guessing the score. A suitable mug awaits the winner of this week’s competition and Luton fans are warmly invited to take part.
The usual rules apply: be first to post the correct scoreline – I have to say that because three people have so far gone for a 2-0 SAFC win – do it before kickoff and have a UK delivery address for your prize mug.
Ha’way the Lads – let’s make it more like May 2007 than August 2007.
* Colin Randall writes: on a sad note, I must report the death of Derrick Illingworth, a familiar figure at games home and away and a thoroughly likeable and charming man. I extend my deepest sympathies to family and friends, and in particular his son and daughter-in-law Guy and Steph, on their loss. Derrick was always terrific company before and during games. ‘We have some great memories,’ Guy tells me, ‘and I know how much he always enjoyed lunch before the game with us all – probably far more than the game itself!’ A mutual friend, Barry Emmerson, adds that the photo – showing Derrick and Guy at the final competitive game at Roker Park, when we beat Everton 3-0 (though it didn’t save us from relegation) – is a ‘lovely picture and a very fitting send off for a true gent. So very pleased to have known him for the last 20 years’.
A death notice in The Northern Echo read: ‘Illingworth: July 27, Derrick aged 86 years of Bishop Auckland. A devoted husband to Judy, loving father of Trudy and Guy, grandfather of Sarah and Jonathan and great-grandfather of Max.’ Derrick’s funeral was held on Tuesday at the Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon.
The eternal optimist says a brilliant 5-0 to the lads
Sadly without sinclair and cattermole out of favour a 2-1 loss
Seeing that we all seem to be wearing rose coloured glasses, I’ll go for 5-2 to us.
1-2 Sunderland
3-0 to Sunderland. Optimistic.
With a team still learning to play together and an injury list which now includes Sinclair (loss) and Love (not such a loss if it means Oviedo plays) I suspect we’ll do well to even get a point.
That said 6-0 to us.
PS does anyone else think we might consider having Fletcher back on loan from Boro if he’s available? Thought he picked up towards the back end and he might do a job at this level.
Luton 0-2 Sunderland
2-2
0-2 Sunderland goals are looking good Haway The Lads tonight
A resounding and deserved win for The Hatters.
3-0
#COYH
A close 1-0 away win and another 3 points.
Just beaten to it by Jeremy. Not much left that is sensible so I’ll go for a tense 0-0.
0-1
4-2 to the lads
Hard fought 2-3 to the lads
Luton fan here.
All change on and off the pitch since that day in 2007. We have a fantastic board, manager and squad.
Despite losing 1-0 at Portsmouth on the opening day, confidence is high after a great performance.
I fancy us for a 2-1 win
It will be great to see the Oak Road end full of red and white, and I wish you all a safe journey.
Maybe we’re all getting carried away a little, so I’m putting the brakes on. 1-1.
A winner. I will be in touch, David
Fower nowt.
after watching our back two I’m wondering how we can keep a clean sheet but I’ll stick with the 0-2 which has let me down for much of the past two seasons
1-4. HAWAY THE LADS!
Let’s make it two in a row – another 2-1 Sunderland win, but I’ll take any score and another 3 pts
It’s the hope I can’t stand!!!!! are we on the verge of something big or is it just yet again another false dawn???
Heart on sleeve time….Luton 1 – 3 Sunderland