Sunderland handed huge psychological Wembley boost ahead of play-off final Vs Sheffield United
Sunderland have been given a major boost ahead of their Championship play-off final against Sheffield United next week – before a ball has even been kicked.
The Black Cats take on the Blades on Saturday, May 24 at 3pm where the winners will gain promotion to the Premier League. For Sunderland, the clash is the reward for a stunning last-gasp semi-final win over Coventry City at the Stadium of Light.
And ahead of the game next weekend, Regis Le Bris’ side have been given a psychological boost by being allocated the West Stand of Wembley Stadium.
The Black Cats are a perfect 4-0 at Wembley when their fans have been sitting on the west side of the ground.
The first win came in 1937 when Sunderland won their first FA Cup by defeating Preston North End 3-1 in the final. Bobby Gurney, Raich Carter, and Eddie Burbanks scored second-half goals for the Black Cats after trailing to Preston at half-time.
Sunderland were next allocated the west end of Wembley in 1973 when they famously beat Leeds United in the final. Bob Stokoe’s side won thanks to an Ian Porterfield goal in the first half and a stellar double save by Jimmy Montgomery, which is still talked about to this day.
The club were then allocated the east end of the stadium for their next seven visits, failing to win a single game.
Despite fans not being in attendance due to COVID restrictions, the Black Cats returned to the west side of the stadium for their 2021 Papa John’s Trophy final. Sunderland triumphed once again, ending a 38-year drought at Wembley Stadium. Lynden Gooch scored the only goal of the game as Sunderland beat Southend United 1-0.
A year later, the Black Cats returned to the capital, this time to face Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final. To the delight of the Mackems, they were once again allocated the west stand for the game.
Sunderland extended their unbeaten run in the west stand of Wembley Stadium to four games and returned to the Championship following a 2-0 win over Wycombe with goals from Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart.
The Black Cats will be hoping to make it five in a row when they face Sheffield United next week and end their eight-year hiatus from the Premier League.
