‘It’s been a long time coming’
Fans could contain their relief after the final whistle on Saturday.
Sam Firth, 41, from Moorside, has been going to the matches since she was 10 years old.
She said: “It is nice to finally win. I wasn’t expecting it because it has been so long since we have won.
“There are 10 of us who go to every match and for a while those 90 minutes have spoiled a good day out.
“This last year has been horrendous and the morale of the fans has been getting lower each week as you can see by the turn out in the stands.
“But maybe this is the turning point.”
Lee Howard, 51, from Sunderland has been going to the matches since he was eight years old. He said: “It is brilliant. I was expecting it because I never thought that we would go a year without a win.”
Thomas Wilson ,32, from Millfield was with his dad Thomas Wilson senior, 56, and his two daughters Tia Wilson, seven, and Leigh anna Wilson ,11.
He said: It’s one of the first times the girls have seen Sunderland win at home. We were not expecting it.”
Ant Thirkell, 37, from Gateshead, was there with his sister Victoria Thirkell, 41.
He said: “They played well and seem to have more heart in it. I am delighted.”
Wayne Coates, 45, Alan Bell, 65, Lewis Macinness, 22, and Dave Common, 48, from Sunderland, were all delighted with the result.
Wayne said: “It is absolutely brilliant, absolutely amazing.”
Gary Newbrook, 30, from Simonside, said: “I’m delighted, ever since Coleman came in we’ve looked a lot more confident and solid especially in defence.
“Hopefully we can get back to home victories with a massive game home to Birmingham next week.”
Kenneth Newbrook, 53, from South Shields, added: “Gibson was man of the match, but credit must go to the manager Chris Coleman for putting the two young lads on with 15 minutes to go. “It’s been a long time in coming.”