Sunderland 3, Barrow 0

Jan 4 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

He made amends after the restart, heading in a near post free-kick from the much-maligned Murphy. When he glanced Phil Bardsley’s left-footed cross inside the far post seven minutes later, it was mission accomplished.

Rather than protect Bent immediately, Bruce gave 18-year-old substitute Ryan Noble much-needed time to warm up, allowing Bent’s final contribution to be a 71st-minute shot tipped onto the post by Deasy.

At 3-0 the sole aims were to get Campbell the matchball and debutant Noble a goal to add to his 32 for the youths and reserves this season. They were denied by Deasy and Lady Luck.

Campbell saw the ball pass through his legs as he slid onto Henderson’s deflected shot, had it taken off his toes by the goalkeeper, headed over and forced a few saves. Noble poked a shot wide, just failed to reach a Henderson cross, shot at Deasy after cutting inside and waltzed inside a couple of defenders in injury-time only to miss the target.

The fairytales would have to wait, but at least Campbell’s Sunderland story may have taken a positive twist.