The 1990-1 season was Sunderland’s first in the top flight since 1985, although it was far from successful. By the last match, on this day (11 May) in 1991, of the season the Wearsiders needed a win to avoid relegation, while Manchester City were enjoying their best League season since they finished 4th in 1978.
A large away following of around 9,000 filled the Kippax corner terracing and the Platt Lane Stand. In fact this was the last great crowd housed in the old Platt Lane Stand which was demolished a year later, after being designated for away fans only since the mid-80s. The result brought the Wearsiders nothing but disappointment as the Blues won 3-2 thanks to goals from future Sunderland star Niall Quinn (2) and David White.
Little did Quinn and City manager Peter Reid realise that within a few seasons they would be helping to resurrect the fortunes of Sunderland and its passionate supporters. Despite the result in 1991, Reid and Quinn must have been impressed by the positive support given by the Wearsiders.
City ended the season in fifth place behind Arsenal, Liverpool, Crystal Palace, and Leeds, while Quinn was voted City player of the year.
Stats: League Division One. 11th May 1991.
City 3 Sunderland 2
Scorers – City: Quinn 2 White
Sunderland: Gabbiadini, Bennett.
City: Margetson, Hill, Pointon, Heath, Hendry, Redmond, White, Brennan, Quinn, Harper, Clarke (Beckford).
Sunderland: Norman, Owers, Hardyman (Brady), Bennett, Ord, Pascoe, Bracewell, Hawke (Hauser), Davenport, Gabbiadini, Kay.
Attendance: 39,194 (the highest Maine Road crowd since 23/9/1989)
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Gary James' Football Archive 