The build-up to our first derby day in almost eight years was a nervy one. With a poor overall run of form and only one win on the road this season, it felt like a dicey game despite the chasm in quality between the two teams.
I barely managed to engage in pre-derby banter (the Black Cats bar mishap aside), instead choosing to pretend it wasn’t happening.
I had a sensible night in before the game, having learnt my lesson from going to Liverpool and Luton with a deadly hangover, but I still woke up feeling dizzy and sick – this time with nerves. I couldn’t stomach any food at home, so it’s a good job the club handed out food as we queued for the buses. Fair play for the free scarves too – they gave us some great visuals and added to the atmosphere.
We jumped on a rickety old bus bearing “Nottingham City Transport” on the seats; a sign of the effort the club had to go to in order to sort our travel. Apart from a stint on Scotswood Road while we waited for the other buses in our section of the convoy, the travel was faultless.
We landed at the stadium and were greeted by a number of Sunderland supporters chanting at us, a solid three hours before kick-off – they mustn’t have had anything better to do with their day.
I’d dreaded spending three hours in the stadium before kick-off, but I needn’t have worried; they flew by. After (surprisingly) zero bag or body searches, we got into the ground within minutes. The queues for the bars were already long even at 10am, so we stocked up. To my surprise and delight, the bars sold miniature bottles of spirit; except it was sold out of vodka before 10.30am. Like any sensible supporter, I bought four mini whiskeys and continued on with my day.
YANITED #nufc pic.twitter.com/6ZOH4NI5KK
— Natasha (@NatashaNUFC) January 6, 2024
It was pointed out that Matty Longstaff wasn’t too far away from us, so naturally I went to speak to him. I can’t speak highly enough of him – he talked freely to me about his current situation and ongoing injury recovery, Sean’s preparations for the game (he wasn’t nervous) and, when I told him how his Man U goal was one of my favourite football memories, he humbly replied “until today”.
We’d spotted the tin-foil flags well before kick-off, and what a baffling choice. I’d be mortified to walk out to St James to see silver and black flags in the seats. The “Wearside” display and its garbled font was laughable too – but on a serious note, Sunderland supporters have been fleeced by that display. The Spirit of 37 Twitter account deactivated as it was revealed some of the placards had been recycled from a Remembrance Day display. Watch this space.
Red and silver army 🥴 pic.twitter.com/lya78nVvP1
— Natasha (@NatashaNUFC) January 6, 2024
There’s been criticism of the atmosphere from both sets of supporters. I wouldn’t pay the home fans any mind; especially considering I heard them on a total of four separate occasions. There were patches where it was poor – like Trippier’s first free kick, which was watched in silence. But overall, we were in good voice and high spirits.
The goal celebrations were everything you’d expect. My friends and I crashed together so much that they miraculously kept me on my feet when we scored. But I still felt the pain the next day. Because we were in cruise control, the game flew by, but some personal highlights were:
- Trippier winding up the home supporters on corners and at 3-0
- Bruno’s very Bruno celebration to the away end after a tackle
- Alexander Isak’s ROAR
- Dan Ballard with his head in his hands
- A superb overall performance from Miggy
Post-match was just as good as you’d expect. As the seagulls descended into the stadium, the inflatables came out. Chants of “seagulls, seagulls, seagulls!” rang around an emptying stadium. Seeing the players pelt towards us to celebrate felt special. The team photo on the pitch was inspired; and FYI, Marco Gabbiadini, my main concern when we’ve just won a derby 3-0 isn’t being classy at full-time.
My only real complaint of the day was getting held back outside of the stadium after we’d already been held back for ages inside of it. But it’s safe to say that our local rivals really did roll out the red carpet for us; easy entry, fantastic bar options, free pints after the game and free WiFi.
If I hadn’t spent the week ill with nerves, I’d happily do it all again.
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Frederick Steele(Quote)
The derby build-up was tense, but the day itself was unforgettable. Despite pre-game nerves, smooth travel, and great atmosphere, the 3-0 win was sealed with amazing celebrations and player interactions. Small issues aside, I’d relive it in a heartbeat. Golden Visa
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hadi(Quote)
Derby days are always intense, but this one sounded like an unforgettable mix of nerves, whiskey, and some questionable tin-foil displays. The passion of football fans is unmatched—whether it’s chanting hours before kickoff or scrambling for the last mini bottle of vodka before 10:30 AM! Speaking of drinks, the texas roadhouse alcohol menu has its own lineup of fan-favorite beverages, from ice-cold beers to legendary margaritas that pair perfectly with a hearty steak.
jessica gilbert(Quote)
It was an intense build-up to the derby, but the win made it all worthwhile. From dodging hangovers to enjoying the ambers menu and a chat with Matty Longstaff, the day was filled with unforgettable moments. The atmosphere, despite some low points, was electric, and the team’s 3-0 victory made every bit of it worth it.
Zayn Ellis(Quote)
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Wendyz Menu(Quote)
What a rollercoaster of a Derby Day recap! The mix of nerves, whiskey minis, and chaotic chants definitely paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to live and breathe football passion up north. I had a good laugh at the tin-foil flags part—Sunderland really set themselves up for memes that day.
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hadi(Quote)
What a brilliant recap! You really captured the mix of nerves, excitement, and sheer chaos that comes with derby day. The detail about the tin-foil flags and the “Wearside” display had me laughing out loud—absolutely wild choice! Also love that you got to chat with Matty Longstaff—what a grounded lad. Felt every word of your whiskey-fueled buildup and post-match high. Here’s hoping for more derby days like this one (without the three-hour hold-ups, of course)!
American Cuisine(Quote)
You painted such a vivid picture of the whole day—it felt like I was right there in the stands with you! The bit about the Sunderland fans being out so early made me chuckle. Props to the club for sorting the travel and handing out scarves and food too—those touches go a long way. And four mini whiskeys before noon? That’s some elite matchday preparation! Massive respect to the squad for showing up and delivering such a dominant performance.
GWA(Quote)
This was a fantastic read—honestly one of the most entertaining match reports I’ve come across. The pre-match nerves, the travel saga, the crowd antics—so relatable! I loved the moment where you described everyone crashing together after the goal; there’s nothing quite like celebrating with your own after a derby goal. Felt your pride and joy throughout. Cheers to many more derby wins and memorable away days!
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Sohaib Azhar(Quote)
That was such a crazy match to watch – the energy in the stands really showed how much it meant to both sets of fans. I was following the updates while grabbing some food, and it actually reminded me of the time I was browsing different menus online. If anyone’s into good eats while watching football, I recently came across this site https://firehousesubs-menue.com/ – perfect for planning a game-day meal!
firehousesubsmenu(Quote)
Awesome read — it captures the passion and atmosphere of matchday perfectly. When I share fan pics or post-derby memes, a creative caption helps bring that energy online. I sometimes use text to stylize short chants or highlight match quotes — adds an extra punch to posts.
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Amelia(Quote)
What a cracking read love the way the atmosphere, rivalry and sheer energy of the derby come through. Great to see the build-up and the result matching the hype.
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emarites(Quote)
This derby was absolutely wild from start to finish. The seagull jokes, the tinfoil fans, the whiskey-fueled atmosphere — everything made the match even more intense. Once Newcastle gained control, the whole momentum shifted and Sunderland just couldn’t keep up with the pace.
The match was so intense that I even rewatched the highlights afterward. https://izletaraftarium24.net/ Overall, one of the most entertaining derbies of the season with top-class atmosphere and pure football drama.”
Isiğ Toraman(Quote)
That match was absolutely wild — the atmosphere, the rivalry, and even the chaos with the seagulls made it a Derby Day nobody will forget. It’s funny how unexpected little moments like that end up becoming part of the story just as much as the goals.
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Vicky(Quote)
Honestly, this Derby Day chaos had everything — seagulls, tin foil drama, whiskey-fueled fans, aur phir Mags ka Sunderland ko one-sided maul karna! Football rivalries kabhi disappoint nahi karti.
Waise creative highlights aur match-reaction edits dekhne ka trend bhi kaafi grow kar raha hai. Agar kisi ko match moments se related smooth slow-mo ya aesthetic edits banana pasand hai, to main recently website ke baare mein research kar raha tha — editing features kaafi unlock ho jate hain, isliye football moments ko style ke sath edit karna aur easy ho jata hai.
Ayla Robinson(Quote)
Great read, derby day ka atmosphere bohat achi tarah capture kiya gaya hai. Fans ka passion aur emotions clearly feel hotay hain. Aaj kal football discussions ke liye bhi platforms jaise bloket kaafi popular ho rahe hain. Aisi engaging stories wahan aur achi lagti hain.
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