Cats missing one key advantage & that was evident against Rovers
This was Sunderland’s third competitive game behind closed doors – but it was the first time where the absence of supporters was really felt.
In any usual season, the opening league game would be one of the biggest attendances of the year.
Supporters, filled with intrigue, anticipation and perhaps a fair share of trepidation, would have filtered into the Stadium of Light decked out in their new home shirts.
It would be the start of a journey, lasting at least 22 further games.
But of course, this is no usual season.
Instead, Sunderland fans were forced to watch their side’s first League One game of the campaign via a stream.
And for large spells, it won't have made for happy viewing.
The Black Cats laboured to a 1-1 draw against Bristol Rover s after Chris Maguire’s late strike ensured the points would be shared on what was, for large spells, a frustrating afternoon.
It was another eerie afternoon in a stadium which is accustomed to holding 30,000 vocal supporters.
Every shout from the pitch was audible, as the calls and cheers from the Rok er End were replaced with the frantic shouts of the home bench and the often heated exchanges from off the field.
But how Sunderland could have done with those calls from their home support on Saturday afternoon.
Any assertions that the hosts may have played better without the supposed ‘pressure’ of an expectant home crowd – an assumption that that comes from many outside the North East – were quickly diminished.
Having a support base as vocal and large in number as the Black Cats’ is a considerable advantage – especially when it comes to what we saw on Saturday afternoon.
From before the second half had even begun, Bristol Rovers were running down the clock.
They were late emerging from the tunnel, and took every opportunity possible to slow down and halt the game.
Yet it took until injury time for the first yellow card to be shown for time-wasting – much to the dismay of Max Power, who could be heard telling referee Anthony Back house that the caution was ‘90 minutes too late’.
And while it’s all ifs and buts, it’s reasonable to consider that–with 30,000 home fans calling for cards earlier on – this would have played out differently in front of a packed house.
Even before the game, Bristol Rovers boss Ben Garner alluded to the sway the home fans can have on the officials. He knows only too well, having been fined for comments along these lines after the Gas’ last trip to the Stadium of Light.
But for the foreseeable future at least, Sunderland will have to live without the advantage of having a vocal backing on their side.
Those marginal gains are now off the table, placing further emphasis on those on the field.
The onus is now on them to perform – so that when fans can return, they return ready to restore what could prove to be a vital advantage.