Blackpool 1 Sunderland 2: Richardson double lifts Black Cats after Bent exit

22 January 2011 22:23
Sunderland's travelling fansbellowed their disgust at Darren Bent's shock move to Aston Villa inthe language of the shop floor.[LNB] But Kieran Richardson stepped forward to fill the breach with two goals to sink Blackpool. [LNB]He might have had at least ahat-trick as he tormented Ian Holloway's side, and Sunderland managerSteve Bruce said: 'I must have asked him to play in five or sixpositions this season and we know he is capable of a performance likethat.[LNB] First up: Kieren Richardson beats Richard Kingson to score the opening goal[LNB]'His pace was electric and he wasthe outstanding player. In adversity, my squad respond. I am delightedwe have avenged the 2-0 defeat we suffered at the Stadium of Light amonth ago. [LNB][LNB]'I haven't changed my opinion about Darren Bent's move but it is time to be big boys and draw a line under it.' [LNB]Richardson, playing just behindAsamoah Gyan, had not scored this season, but the former ManchesterUnited man revelled in his attacking role, handing his shirt to aSunderland fan at the final whistle.[LNB] [LNB] Hands up: Sunderland's Kieran Richardson (right) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]Richardson was the catalyst for a victory which cemented Sunderland in sixth place. However, Blackpool manager Holloway raved about his midfield fulcrum, Charlie Adam, and railed at the clubs who want to lure him away. [LNB]Adam would have been on the scoresheet long before his 86th-minute penalty but for Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon.[LNB] Des Kelly: Loyalty? Forget Bent. Bruce has jumped ship even more than Jack SparrowLiverpool raise their offer for Charlie Adam but Blackpool reject £4.5m bidThe starlet whose career hit the skids... but now Charlie is the darlingAll the latest Blackpool news, features and opinionAll the latest Sunderland news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Luke Varney, Darren Bent, Ian Holloway, Steve Bruce, Paul Rachubka, Marlon Harewood, Titus Bramble, Charlie Adam, Craig Gordon Places: Liverpool, Scotland

Source: Daily_Mail