10 Things We Learned From Darlington Vs. Sunderland

1. Sunderland Are Still Sunderland

It simply wouldn't be Sunderland if they didn't build you up before smashing you into the ground at every opportunity. Football was finally back, 2,500 fans had made the journey to Bishop Auckland in the glorious sun, and the red and white shirts gleamed across the pitch with Advocaat firmly in the dugout. Of course Darlington were going to score. And of course ex-Sunderland youth prospect Adam Mitchell was going to lob the ball home for a second. With just over quarter of an hour gone, Sunderland fans were already re-adjusted to the misery that football usually brings, but scoring four goals to seal the win completely proved the rollercoaster way of life you must adopt to follow Sunderland. It's very early days, but there's already signs for the season ahead. Now, onwards to America.