"It left the promoted Sunderland seventh, four points and five places ahead of their rivals who could struggle to achieve their stated aim of qualifying for the Champions League once more next season. On this evidence this term's European exertions are taking a considerable toll. The Stadium of Light has one of the largest press boxes in the Premier League but, for once, every seat was taken."
"Yet if north-east England and its football clubs were firmly back on the map, this also remained an intensely parochial affair. The home fans delighted in chorusing: If you hate the Mags stand up. Newcastle had brought a special plaque with them and pinned it up above their dressing-room door. Get into them, was the message but, before the sound and the fury erupted, Sunderland supporters took time to remember Gary Rowell."
Newcastle suffered a chastening defeat as Nick Woltemade's spectacular headed own goal handed Sunderland a local derby victory. The result left promoted Sunderland seventh, four points and five places ahead of their rivals and cast doubt over Newcastle's aim of qualifying for the Champions League next season. European exertions are visibly taking a toll on Newcastle. The Stadium of Light attracted extensive international media interest, yet the match retained a fiercely local atmosphere with passionate home chants and rivalry. Sunderland paused before kick-off to honour cult hero Gary Rowell, who died aged 68, with applause and an anthem tribute.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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