Sunderland - Away, Withdean Era
Season 6 (A) 30/10/04 - 0-2
When the Romans went right up north, they decided to build a wall to keep Celtic and Rangers out of England - separated by divisions. Marauding Brighton fans had last been to Sunderland twelve years ago and now repeated that expedition with a b&w army of 1100. The northeast ex-Prem outfit had been at the Stadium of Light since 1997, when B'ton were going to play home games at Gillingham. So, there was more than just idle curiosity to make a visit to a 48000 capacity, all singing all dancing, brilliant venue - we were actually on the same level in terms of tier of football after all. Even with a turnout of 25000, the place was still a bit spectacular, especially when floodlit. And to think they only ended up on Wearside after original planning permission for an out of town residence was turned down. Such is the north - south divide in whoar has and who has not. But we might just pinch that novel wall of fame idea for Falmer, instead of names on seats.
This game swung the way of a frustrated team in residence, when McGhee unlocked the door to defeat, with all but an hour gone. McGhee was not known as a remarkable tactician and you might have argued 350 miles for a 0-0 still represents a point gained. However, being so close to the border seemed to make him think like it's home and go on a rampage. It backfired badly and once a goal down, a difference in class began to show - with Brighton in a lower. Of course, we then had to go forward to attempt an equaliser but 442 just opened it up for more pressure at the back. Their subs had been effective and 10 mins from time it was thank you, good night and safe journey south - when they conveted a penalty. Had we eventually seen the er, light?
Kuipers, El-Abd (Jarrett), Cullip, Butters, Hinshelwoood, Harding, Hammond (Hart), Carpenter, Oatway, Currie, Knight.
Champ's P 16 . W 5 D 4 L 7 . F 14 A 21 . Pt 19 Po 15

Sunderland - Home, Withdean Era
Season 6 (H) 19/2/05 - 2-1 ~ Carpenter, McCammon
During this period a second Public Inquiry had convened. Dick Knight said, 'nothing has changed despite desperate attempts of our opponents to prove otherwise by promoting other sites. We trust that the new inspector is not oblivious to the needs of this community and recognises Falmer as the one and only realistic site for our much needed stadium. We also have day-to-day business of keeping the club competitive - although Mark McGhee rightly keeps reminding us we are not safe yet. It is the Boards intention to extend Mark's contract and are close to finalising details. Supporters have played as vital a role as ever this season, raising close to 300k via the Alive & Kicking fund.'
Sunderland came down to the deep south and must have thought we'd fallen on hard times, like old Wearside industry of the late twentieth century. They played in red and white stripes, looked a million bucks and strode about like Champions elect. However it was Carpenter who opened the scoring on 25 minutes to put Albion supporters in a state of high excitement. Five minutes later Virgo was sent off for two yellows as he dived into a tackle in midfield that Ref decided was more than foul play. It was harsh and once an early card had been shown he set a trend toward facile punishment. A new keeper was on board, who had experience of noisy atmospheres and Withdean was cranking it up big time. A little before halftime McCammon rose at the far post to nod Brighton into a two nil lead and six thousand fans got to their feet in unrestrained ecstasy. In the second period an out-numbered rearguard of blue and white were worthy of mention in dispatches by holding a defensive line and repelling raiders. With ten minutes to go, a long low shot pulled one back for the NE outfit. Crowds gathered trackside for final moments before rejoicing at incredible victory.
Shaaban, Reid, Hinshelwood, Butters, Harding, Hart, Nicolas, Carpenter, Knight, Virgo, McCammon (Hammond).
Champ's P 34 . W 11 D 8 L 15 . F 29 A 43 . Pt 41 Po 17