Geordie Gibson buzzing to beat old rivals

NEWCASTLE FAN LOVED ARGYLE'S VICTORY AGAINST SUNDERLAND

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

NEWCASTLE United fan and former season ticket holder Lewis Gibson admitted it was ‘an extra special feeling’ for him when Plymouth Argyle beat Sunderland at the weekend.

The 23-year-old summer signing from Everton continued his impressive form for the Pilgrims this season with another strong defensive display in the 2-0 victory over the Black Cats, who dominated the game in terms of possession and goal attempts but could not break down their hosts.

Gibson spent seven years in the academy at Newcastle before moving to Everton at the age of 17 so played a lot against Sunderland in youth team games. Beating them at a sold-out Home Park to pick up three valuable Championship points was therefore a big deal for him.

The Durham-born defender said: “It has got that extra special feeling. Obviously, the main thing is three points and it was a really pleasing performance. I was at Newcastle as a kid and that (Sunderland) was one you always looked forward to, and is probably one I still look forward to now.

“It was a tough game as we expected. They will be there or thereabouts. They are a big club. I wouldn’t say it was surprising what came at us but I thought we dealt with it well. There were some moments where maybe we rode our luck a little bit but there has been times where we have been unlucky.”

Sunderland had 24 goal attempts against Argyle but only five of them were on target, with goalkeeper Mike Cooper producing some big saves, while those around him did well to make a number of key blocks.