It is known as Sunderland’s Wembley curse up here in the North-East. And because no one was there to see if lifted last year, the hoodoo still exists in the minds of the majority.
In the wake of the club's 1973 FA Cup victory over Leeds United - when Bob Stokoe’s Second Division underdogs beat the holders 1-0 - the Black Cats lost their next eight at the stadium, both old and new.
That run ended with a 1-0 win against Tranmere Rovers in the Football League Trophy 14 months ago.