That's more like it!
16 January 2008
Sunderland 2 Portsmouth 0
They had shown magnificent away form all season but, now that Portsmouth had lost several of their talented, quick players to the African Cup of Nations, would they still be able to catch teams on the break? Thankfully for Sunderland the answer was "no".
Things could have been different if Benjani had not made a mess of a great chance as early as the eighth minute but this was a much better all-round performance from Sunderland capped by two fine performances in particular from Kenwyne Jones and two goal hero Kieran Richardson.
Although nowhere near fully fit, Jones caused Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin no end of trouble and showed great eagerness to keep a ball in play that Campbell had given up on. His gentle rolled pass was perfect for the fast approaching Richardson who gleefully slotted home.
His second on the stroke of half-time was again due to him bursting through from midfield, coming at such a pace that Hrediarsson could do nothing to stop him. This time with his right foot he finished competently.
The second half was comfortable for the home side and Richardson was extremely unlucky not to be receiving the match ball when a fine strike left James completely helpless but smacked back off the crossbar.
There have been plenty of questions about Roy Keane's buys this season but in Jones and Richardson he looks to have two gems. Long may it continue.
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