Forget Robbie’s Port Vale, let the Black Cats entertain you
The last time Sunderland were in the third tier of English football, we drew Darlington at home in the first round of the FA Cup.
Almost 17,000 people turned out at Roker Park to see something of a rare, novelty local derby that day in 1987.
The chances of another competitive fixture with Darlington anytime in the future are slim to none, and not just because of our hopes of a return to the Championship.
While the Quakers might always have been a much smaller club, their situation isn’t far off a more dramatic version of our own recent narrative.
We’re lucky to find ourselves in a much healthier state these days, both on and off the pitch.
This weekend, we travel to the home of Robbie Williams, and no doubt Jack Ross would be more than happy to see his side trot out 2-0 winners, just as the Lads did in 1987.
Port Vale, like Darlo were two decades ago, are a fourth-tier side, one that Sunderland should be looking to beat comfortably.
The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport, a chance for this side to show the country that Sunderland is on its way back.
Even if, as expected, the manager tweaks the side, it will not be a simple case of resting players.
There are plenty of options in this squad, and a few players will be desperate to show what they can do.
Jerome Sinclair will feel unlucky to have been dropped to the bench for the game at Plymouth, while Luke O’Nien has made three or four impressive cameos that have surely earned him a start.
The returning Glenn Loovens and Max Power will also be hoping to be given the nod and an opportunity to remind the manager of what they can offer.
Regardless of the starting XI, Sunderland are on a roll.
This is an in-form side that not only scores plenty of goals, it also keeps a few clean sheets. Whatever Port Vale have to throw at us, we should have more than enough to cope with it.
In fact, we shouldn’t even be thinking about what they have to throw at us as we’ll be looking to impose our own game. Realistically, we won’t win the FA Cup, but this is a great opportunity to maintain the excellent momentum this side is building and put us a round away from the excitement of the third round draw.
It’d be absolutely fantastic to see us get that far and draw a Premier League side.
Jack Ross v Pep Guardiola anyone?