On this day in 1966, Sunderland manager Ian McColl took the opportunity to test a revamped half-back line during Burnley’s visit to Roker Park. The big headline of the day was the return of club captain Charlie Hurley, affectionately known as Sunderland’s “man mountain.” Hurley was back after a ten-week absence due to knee ligament damage, an injury he had sustained in his 300th league appearance against Chelsea. His return saw him reclaim the center-half position, with George Kinnell shifting to the left to accommodate him. On Hurley’s right, Colin Todd made his own comeback after missing the previous two matches. Upfront, John O’Hare, now fully fit, also returned to the lineup.
Burnley, meanwhile, featured players who would later become familiar faces to Sunderland fans. Ralph Coates, who would go on to represent England, started for the visitors, while future Sunderland coach Dave Merrington was named on the bench. Interestingly, Burnley’s team was temporarily managed by Jimmy Adamson, as their regular boss Harry Potts was away in Zurich for the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup draw.
The game began with Burnley showing no signs of easing up, despite their manager’s absence. They tested McColl’s experimental lineup and quickly took control of the match. Sunderland’s defense looked shaky, and by the hour mark, the home side was trailing 3-1. Burnley’s Willie Irvine had opened the scoring in the 29th minute, capitalizing on defensive lapses, and Andy Lochhead restored Burnley’s lead shortly after halftime following a brief equalizer by Sunderland’s Neil Martin. Irvine struck again in the 58th minute, exploiting more defensive errors, and Lochhead appeared to have scored a fourth, only for it to be ruled offside due to interference from Irvine.
Sunderland’s fortunes shifted dramatically when George Mulhall launched a speculative long-range shot that found the back of the net. The goal reignited the home side’s spirits, and ten minutes later, Jim Baxter broke through Burnley’s defense to set up O’Hare, who smashed in the equalizer. The dramatic turnaround sparked jubilant celebrations, with Hurley booting the ball high in relief.
Burnley, seemingly deflated, began to falter. Just moments after Sunderland’s equalizer, Cec Irwin sprinted down the wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to Mulhall, who was roaming across the forward line. Mulhall smashed in a left-footed winner at the near post, completing the comeback. Despite Burnley’s earlier dominance, they couldn’t muster a response as Sunderland’s defense, now solidified by Kinnell, Hurley, and Todd, effectively shut down any threats.
The match ended with Sunderland celebrating an unexpected and thrilling 4-3 victory. It was a performance that showcased resilience, with every player contributing to the turnaround. From Mulhall’s inspired strike to the defensive trio’s late-game stability, it was a day of redemption at Roker Park—a win born out of chaos but delivered with heart and determination.
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