Season so far: Team Sunderland Men’s 1sts

Team Sunderland Men’s 1sts had a tough start to the season but went into the winter break with a dominant win.

In gameweek one, the lads started their league campaign away to Leeds Beckett Men’s 3rds, who now currently sit top of the table. After chances for both sides, the points were shared and the game ended 0-0. A great point for Team Sunderland on the road to a tough Leeds Beckett side to kick off the season.

The 1sts then played Sheffield Hallam Men’s 2nds in gameweek two. This was yet another fierce battle where the 1sts had to settle for a second draw in a row. The visitors were a very strong side, either team could’ve won the game but it ended 1-1. With goals from Sunderland’s Ryan Abba and Sheffield’s Felix Stanley.

Away from league action, many of the 1sts players were chosen to play in the annual Cameron Scarratt Trophy. This is a charity game against Northumbria Police FC to help raise money for some great causes. Team Sunderland won 4-0 to make it three in a row, with the 1sts very own Matthew Chapman being voted man of the match from the opposition team.

With no game in week 3 and a game against York being called off only a week later, the 1sts returned to action in Gameweek 5.  This game was away to Liverpool John Moores 1sts in the Aldi Men’s Northern Conference Cup. The 1sts fought hard away in Liverpool and the game ended 2-2. Unfortunately, the home side won on penalties and Team Sunderland exited the cup competition.

On the back of losing in the cup, the 1sts had to welcome top of the table Leeds Beckett Men’s 3rds in Gameweek 6. Team Sunderland played some great football during the game but suffered their first loss in the league campaign. Leeds Beckett took all three points back home after winning 1-0 under the lights.

After having no game for two weeks, the 1sts secured their first win of the season in Gameweek 9. The lads put six goals past previously undefeated York Men’s 1sts. A dominant 6-4 display with a hat trick from George Pinder, with goals also coming from Zouhair Ait Benali and Matthew Chapman. Them three points put the 1sts fourth in the league with a game in hand on all three teams above them.

The 1sts went into the winter break full of confidence after a tremendous win and showed they have what it takes to finish top this season.