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5. 2003/04 - Nottingham Forest (A) 2-0 loss
Mick McCarthy’s new-look side were beaten well with goals from Marlon Harewood and Mathieu Louis-Jean. Sunderland reached both the FA Cup and play-off semi-finals. Photo: Tom Shaw
6. Coventry City (A) 2-0 loss
Goals from Patrick Suffo and Eddy Johnson sunk Sunderland but McCarthy’s men went on to win the Championship and gain promotion to the Premier League. Photo: Christopher Lee
7. 2005/06 - Charlton Athletic (H) 3-1 loss
Future Sunderland striker Darren Bent scored twice and Danny Murphy once to cancel out Andy Gray’s equaliser. McCarthy was sacked and the Black Cats were relegated. Photo: Matthew Lewis
8. 2006/07 - Coventry City (A) 2-1 loss
Coventry came from behind to deny Niall Quinn's Sunderland victory with goals from Stern John and Gary McSheffrey. Quinn eventually sacked himself and appointed Roy Keane who guided the Lads to promotion. Photo: Ben Radford