Over the last 94 years Sunderland have played Coventry 46 times, and have secured 12 wins, 17 draws, and 17 defeats. Here are some of our most notable results…
COVENTRY CITY 4-2 SUNDERLAND - LEAGUE CUP - 1964
On the 10th of November 1964, Sunderland travelled to Highfield Road to take on Jimmy Hill’s Coventry. George Hudson put the Sky Blues 1-0 up in the 15th minute. That was followed by a Ken Hale goal in the 31st minute, he secured his brace one minute later. The Lads were struggling, and Coventry were on top. George Hudson made it 4-0, and the first half ended. Sunderland had been shocking in the first half, so a big response was needed to entertain the travelling fans. John O’Hare pulled one back in the 58th minute, and the Lads had hope. O’Hare scored his second 20 minutes later, but it was nothing other than a consolation goal. The game ended 4-2 and Sunderland were out of the League Cup.
SUNDERLAND 3-0 COVENTRY CITY - FIRST DIVISION - 1968
Now let’s dive into a Sunderland win. It was the 26th of October 1968, and Alan Brown’s side were playing Noel Cantwell’s side at Roker Park. Sunderland won a penalty in the 18th minute, and it was converted by Gordon Harris. However, Harris’ first attempt was saved by Bill Glazier, but the keeper was deemed to have moved before a ball was kicked. The first half ended 1-0. George Mulhall made it 2-0 in the 50th minute, and Gordon Harris scored his second in the 74th minute. The game ended 3-0, it was a good win for the Lads.
COVENTRY CITY 6-1 SUNDERLAND - FIRST DIVISION - 1982
Unfortunately, Sunderland don’t have a good record against Coventry so we have another hammering to discuss. On the 27th of April 1982, Alan Durban’s Sunderland travelled to Highfield Road to take on Dave Sexton’s Coventry. Gary Gillespie opened the score sheet in the 23rd minute, and Garry Thompson made it 2-0 13 minutes later. Stan Cummins scored our only goal of the game, and the Lads went into halftime 2-1 down. Garry Thompson secured his brace in the 53rd minute, and things were looking bad for the Black Cats. Gerry Francis scored the Sky Blues’ fourth goal. Mark Hateley made it 5-1 in the 77th minute, and he scored again in the 88th. The game ended 6-1 to Dave Sexton’s side, and the Lads went home with nothing.
SUNDERLAND 4-5 COVENTRY CITY - LEAGUE 1 - 2019
On the 13th of April 2019, Jack Ross’ side were hosting Mark Robins’ Sky Blues. Bright Enobakhare opened the scoresheet in the 12 minute, and the Lads were behind. George Honeyman equalised in the 15th minute. Amadou Bakayoko made it 2-1 three minutes later, and Jordi Hiwula scored the third in the 25th minute. Charlie Wyke pulled one back in the 41st minute, and Will Grigg equalised on the brink of half time. The first half ended 3-3. Jordan Shipley put Coventry 4-3 up in the 55th minute, but Max Power equalised 14 minutes after that. It was truly an epic game, but unfortunately for Sunderland Connor Chaplin made it 5-4 in the 78th minute. The game ended 5-4 and it was a huge blow for Sunderland’s promotion hopes. I would argue that this game influenced Jack Ross' penchant for a 1-1 draw, as after this game he became obsessed with clean sheets and encouraged the team to sit back once going ahead.
SUNDERLAND 1-1 COVENTRY - CHAMPIONSHIP - 2022
After a four year stay in League One, the Black Cats had finally returned to the Championship. They kicked off the campaign against Coventry, who were promoted from League One two seasons prior. This game took place on the 31st of July 2022. Alex Neil’s side opened the scoresheet, when Jack Clarke made it 1-0 in the 12th minute. It was a great start to life in the Championship for Sunderland. The first half ended 1-0, and Mark Robins’ side needed a big response. Coventry huffed and puffed, but couldn’t seem to find the net. Matt Godden missed an absolute sitter, and Sunderland were let off the hook. However, Viktor Gyokeres scored an absolute rocket in the 84th minute, and Coventry equalised. The game ended 1-1, which wasn’t a bad result for either side.
SUNDERLAND 0-3 COVENTRY CITY - CHAMPIONSHIP - 2023
Michael Beale's first game in charge was one to forget for everyone involved other than Coventry. Despite racking up double the number of shots compared to the away side, we never found the back of the net and ended up being beaten comprehensively. Goal number one came in first half stoppage time and two goals in quick succession, with twenty or so minutes remaining, finished us off and sparked a mass exodus from the stands and chants for the return of Tony Mowbray.
