OTD: ERIC GATES HAT-TRICK

On this day in 1987, Eric Gates scored four goals as Sunderland defeated Southend United 7-0 in the Third Division. He signed for the Lads in 1985 after a lengthy and successful career at Ipswich Town and would go on to make 220 appearances for Sunderland, scoring 55 goals and winning two promotions. Making his debut in a 2-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers, Gates scored his first goal in a 3-3 draw against Grimsby Town. Initially, Eric struggled at Roker Park with Sunderland finishing just two...

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