| Crocs
on Tour
> 2004-05
> Sunderland |
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Sunderland
- Saturday 30/10/04
Oh
yes! The greatest match of the season. It was a 16 hour journey
there and back to Sunderland. So what better way to prepare
for it than not going to sleep the night before, instead chosing
to play some of the greatest board games ever seen. The 'George
McCartney Themed Evening' was only ruined by the fact the
inspirational Sunderland defender was injured for Saturdays
game. So, just for you lucky people, we were awake for over
24 hours to capture these photos from the Stadium of Light. |
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Mode
of Transport:
It was time to mount Liz, and the Costa Express.
Although this time it was John we mounted, as
he was the steward on our coach. |
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Team:
With Virgo suspended, Mark McGhee changed the
sides shape. They lined up in a 5-4-1, with: Kuipers;
El-Abd, Hinshlewood, Cullip, Butters, Harding;
Hammond, Oatway, Carpenter, Currie; Knight. |
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Kit:
Sunderland were in traditional red and white striped
jerseys, black shorts and black stockings. Brighton
wore the dark blue Palookaville 3rd choice jerseys,
complete with white shorts and stockings |
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Mark
McGhee's Attire:
The preferred uniform of the Crocs on Tour, of
dark blue shirt, black blazer and black trousers.
Again, with no tie. |
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Weather:
Foggy in the heartland of the north, with light
drizzle in the second half. We encountered spells
of rain throughout the journey. |
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Stadium
Rating:
The Stadium of Light holds 49,000. It is simply
superb, by far the best in the division. Two stands
have towering second tiers, and the atmosphere
with top class. However, the lack of a statue
of George McCartney outside means it drops marks.
9/10 |
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Food
Rating:
The hotdogs were rubbery, although the pies were
rather tasteful, despite falling apart in similar
style to ones at Norwich. 6/10 |
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Entertainment:
Simply magnificent. A 'red coat' man and woman
duet sung classic songs before the match, and
even put in some movement to complement it. This
was all that happened though. 8/10 |
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Friendliness
of Locals:
Extremely friendly. They were a pleasure to be
around, even in defeat. Especially when they sang
'Scott McCarthy's Red and White Army'. And the
programme seller, who in his broad, Geordie-like
accent counted the change individually out loud,
then said 'Enjoy the Game'. 8/10 |
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Standard
of Local Females:
Saw a number of particularly fine women outside
the ground. A possible place for university has
been found. 7/10 |
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Flag
Attention:
Not much, as Tom Stewart decided to wear it as
a kilt, to celebrate the fact we were in close
proximity to Scotland |
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Match
Report:
Sunderland demonstrated why they should be pushing
for promotion, with a good passing performance.
Brighton, missing suspended Adam Virgo, never
really threatened Thomas Myhre in the Sunderland
goal. However, they did put some nice passing
moves together. |
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Thought
of the Day:
Can you imagine if the coach driver just stopped
the coach, and demanded that if every person did
not take all their clothes off he wouldn't carry
on driving. |
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