What the Papers Say

Last updated : 13 March 2006 By Liam Cooper
It was almost exactly the same as the revers fixture at the JJB Stadium way back in August. On that day Wigan scored an early goal, within the first minute, and from thereon in, had their backs against the wall as Sunderland dominated but still lost 1-0. It was Kevin Ball's first game in charge as Caretaker-boss and he saw his bottom of the league side show great spirit, but no end product.

Here is what the national newspapers had to say about Wigan's lucky escape from the Mackems back yard.


The Sun

Sunderland 0 Wigan 1


Senegal Striker Camara netted after just eight minutes and the Latics then weathered a Sunderland storm to claim the points.

Henri Camara's rocket wrecked Kevin Ball's debut as Black Cats caretaker-boss but the fans were more concerned about getting rid of the board.

Ball who took over from the sacked Mick McCarthy this week- begged the fans to get behind his players, but also paid tribute to goalscorer Camara: "when he hit it and it went in the back of the net, I remember thinking, ’Hell of a goal, lad'. What can you do about things like that? Nothing."


The Times

Camara adds to Sunderland Woe


Sunderland are devouring themselves, locked in a cycle of defeat, protest and impotence. The team lose, supporters rebel and the man being railed against continues his search for an exit strategy.

A change of manager did not snap the chain of disenchantment. At the final whistle on Saturday, supporters congregated around the stadium gates named after Bob Murray, the chairman, to howl their frustration.


The Independent

Working Miracles proves a painful task for Jewell


Wigan left the Stadium of Light wondering if miracles really might happen, while hundreds of Sunderland supporters did not bother to leave immediately, gathering outside to protest against the chairmanship of Bob Murray in the knowledge that they need more than a miracle.

These two teams were promoted lastseason, Sunderland seven points ahead of Wigan as champions. Both teams invested the same amount of money over the summer- Sunerland's £4m compares favourably to Wigan's £6m as the latter also had to replace Nathan Ellington, whom they sold for £3m. Yet as Sunderland stare gloomily at the probability of becoming statistically the worst side in Premiership history, while Wigan, 33 points ahead, are starry-eyed atthe possibility of Europe.


The Daily Star

Fans Revolt over Murray's Mess


Caretaker boss Kevin Ball extracted a hard-working performance out of his team for hisfirst game in charge, but Wigan sneaked a win thanks to a brilliant volley by Henri Camara

The diverging fortunes of the two promoted clubs are illustrated by the fact that Wigan finished seven points behind Sunderland last season and are now 33 better off this season.

This win leaves Paul jewell's men in contention for a European place, and even the Wigan manager admits a crack at the top four and a Champions League spot is now a "reality".

Jewell said: "It would be a miracle, i know, but it is a miracle to be where we are anyway."