Fan Letters: Sunderland Showed Their Spirit Against Bournemouth!

Dear Roker Report,

How important the three points were against Bournemouth we’ll know in the coming months, but at 0-2 down inside fifteen minutes and even whilst playing the better football, it showed true team spirit.

Enzo Le Fée had his best game this season, whilst the introduction of fresh legs on the hour proved a winner. Brian Brobbey? I’m a big fan of his and surely against a fragile Liverpool backline, he gets a start.

We have two tough away games before Newcastle at home, and the three points on Saturday were priceless to our confidence and our season.

‘Til the end

Mark

Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Mark. Thank you for your letter.

Saturday really did feel like another big step forward for this Sunderland side — not just because we preserved our proud unbeaten home record, but that we did so the hard way by rallying from 0-2 down to score three unanswered goals on the way to a thrilling victory.

As we all know, this side never knows when it’s beaten and although falling 0-2 behind early wasn’t in the script, the way we worked our way back into the game and eventually sealed the victory was hugely impressive.

All sides visiting the Stadium of Light this season will be aware that they’re in for a very tough game, and the fact we’ve arrived in December having not lost a game at home this season is testament to the hard work that’s been done by everyone — players and coaches alike — and hopefully it continues into 2026!

Dear Roker Report,

After Saturday’s tremendous game, I just had to share this poetic description of our day from my talented mate Paul Lee (with his permission).

The photo below is us leaving the Stadium of Light after the game.

Hope you enjoy the game (and the poem) as much as we did.

Geoff Brown

Sunderland v Bournemouth

Saturday 29 November 2025

A Poem in Rhyming Couplets (dedication to Mr (Hilton) Mottram, English Teacher and Sportsman

By Paul Lee

At Cooper Rose we claimed our view, an imaginary sea,And brunch arrived with speed and grace, for two pounds ninety p.

With Geoff and David, George as well, the pundits at our side,We weighed the bubble’s fragile walls and hoped they’d still abide.

A win today would steady nerves for Anfield’s looming test,And Etihad’s imposing walls, where football’s at its best.

Through bitter winds to Keel we strode, our “Wearside Wembley Way”,A daytime match that felt like night, excitement kept at bay.

The e-drink taps were tried and praised, technology divine,Then ship’s horn called us to the bowl, where destinies align.

The soundtrack boomed, the teams came forth, and Wise Men filled the sky,Then kick off set our hearts afloat; but gods may oft defy.

Two down we sank, but still we dared to whisper fate anew,For modern times have changed the script — belief was breaking through.

A penalty! And Le Fée with thunder in his stride,No trick or feint, just cannonball that rent the net aside.

Half time and dreams of history bent, of ghosts now cast aside,And after pints we raised our voice, the Twelfth Man amplified.

Traoré levelled at the post, then Brobbey claimed the crown,Three-two the score, and joy so fierce it shook our homely ground.

Now twenty-two points on the board, in fourth as autumn ends,We live a dream and drink it in with glasses raised to friends.

At Sheepfolds then we told the tale, no Guinness art this time,But triumph poured in every glass—for these are changing times.

Next up the Enemy awaits in December’s biting cold,We’ll see what Granit’s men will say, our story will unfold.

Ha’way the Lads, the battle call, let passion light the way,As Davey’s voice rings loud and clear, “Let’s get carried away!”(man)