This is where Pete Sixsmith records his instant verdict, in seven words, on each Sunderland game. When he cannot make it, a supersub steps in and his (or her) seven-word summing-up is preceded by an asterisk. Today he witnessed Shildon march ever closer to Wembley and left it to Deputy Editor Malcolm Dawson to step into his shoes
Deputy editor Malcolm Dawson writes: M Salut in his journalistic drive to attract more and more readers to the site deliberately provoked fans of that fine old club Bolton Wanderers by suggesting that they were a spent force, undeserving of success. (His views not mine!) But still he managed to get another response to his request for the views of our FA Cup opponents. Of course it’s freezing cold here in County Durham and with the threat of a few inches of snow overnight there’s no guarantee the game will go ahead, which will no doubt bring smiles to our Canadian readers and fans of the Green Bay Packers who have been known to dig snow holes to avoid hypothermia during the playoffs. Robert Hurst, from the Burnden Aces fan site, took up the challenge and answered the questions set by Colin Randall.
Salut! Sunderland tries hard to get Pete Sixsmith’s seven word verdict and Jake’s full time graphics onto the site as soon as humanly possible after the final whistle. Quicker even than the Echo Pink used to hit the news stands but with all the team at the game today it is a little later than usual. Still who’s going to complain after the result?