On This Day (25 April 1979): Sunderland Blitz The Blades!

Barry Siddall, Sunderland goalkeeper (Photo by S&G/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images One of many “What if? ” endings to a Sunderland season. Yet again, the Lads did all they could to secure promotion to the top division after just missing out the season before, absolutely blitzing Sheffield United by six goals to two at Roker Park to move top of the table with only two games left.

There seemed little chance of such jubilant end-of-game celebrations in the early stages of the match, as the visitors took the lead through defender Tony Kenworthy in the fourth minute, who headed in from close range. However, in the thirteenth minute, Alan Brown was felled in the box and Wilf Rostron sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot. Shortly afterwards, a Steve Whitworth cross was knocked down by Bob Lee, only for Mick Buckley to crash a first-time drive against the inside near post.

Before the Blades could react, Tim Gilbert accelerated into the box, and angled a shot which visiting goalkeeper Conroy fumbled and allowed to roll over the line. It was 2-1 at half time, and the game was still open. Mick Buckley came close early in the second half when his shot hit Conroy’s body after a defence-splitting pass from the ever-industious Kevin Arnott.

Not long after that, in the forty-seventh minute, the goal-feast began when a long clearance from Barry Siddall was flicked on by Lee for Brown to use his speed and race towards goal, rounding the hapless Conroy and prodding home. Ten minutes later, a raucous Roker Park crowd watched as Lee struck to make it 4-1. Sheffield’s skilful Alex Sabella reduced the lead with a thunderous shot that went in off the underside of the bar and eight minutes later, the crowd were all on their feet, applauding a superb save from Siddall.