Sunderland fans were all singing the praises of Aiden O’Brien after his hat-trick took them through to the Carabao Cup third round.
The Black Cats came from behind to beat Blackpool 3-2 at Bloomfield Road and there was one name on everyone’s lips following a brilliant goalscoring performance.
Shayne Lavery opened the scoring for the Tangerines but it was the O’Brien show after that as his two goals put the visitors ahead just before the hour mark.
Josh Bowler netted a well-worked equaliser as the game looked destined for a penalty shootout but there was time for Sunderland’s hero to get a stoppage-time winner right in front of the packed away end.
They will find out their opponents for the next round this evening with the third round draw taking place following the conclusion of the second round ties.
The progression in the Carabao Cup adds to the solid start Lee Johnson’s side have made in the league and there is plenty of optimism around the Stadium of Light. Three wins from four in League One has left them fifth in the table, just a point from top spot.
Although it is early days, Black Cats supporters are understandably in a buoyant mood and here is what they had to say about last night’s victory on social media.
Lynden Gooch, who remained an unused substitute in Blackpool, also took to Twitter to heap the praise on his team mate who went home with match ball.
