Gary Bennett
Ex-Sunderland defender on BBC Newcastle

It’s a long time since we’ve been able to say that Sunderland have come back from a goal down to lead at half-time. We are creating chances.

Robert Smallbone: Why are Portsmouth in grey and not blue? It’s crazy - did they not learn from Southampton v Man Utd in 1996?

So far, Robert, it appears not...

Image source, Rex Features

And the first half draws to a close. Sunderland performed valiantly against a Portsmouth side who dominated much of the first 45 minutes, but the hosts go into the dressing rooms on top after coming from behind.

The Black Cats are half way there to a first league win of the season.

Boos ring around the Stadium of Light as Andrew Cannon is brought down by Grant Leadbitter in a challenge right by the touchline.

There's a stoppage in play as he's attended to. Not long left in this first half and Sunderland have earned their lead.

John Marquis and Marcus Harness are such a terrific duo and the Pompey pair are causing a bit of a headache for the Sunderland back line.

Their latest duet sees them work their way up the right wing once more as Portsmouth lead another charge upfield.

Image source, Rex Features

Having seen another angle of Christian Burgess attempting to clear the ball from the corner that led to Sunderland's equaliser, it would appear that the ball did in fact go out of play.

So, no arguments then. But it's the visitors who've been the brighter side since Jordan Willis found the net with his tremendous header that levelled the scores at the Stadium of Light.

So, what have Portsmouth got in response to Jordan Willis' equaliser?

As yet, not a lot. They've passed the ball around well, but Kenny Jackett's side will be desperate to get back on top in this match.

It's been an entertaining first half hour.

Image source, Rex Features

Marcus Harness, after opening Portsmouth's account for the afternoon, is once again threatening and looks a danger every time he has the ball.

This time he picks up possession on the right flank and stylishly beats his marker before unleashing a rebounded tackle towards goal from long range, but it sails wide.

Portsmouth's Andrew Cannon wins a free-kick right at an acute angle right next to the Sunderland 18-yard line.

Ronan Curtis stands over the ball and delivers an attempted cross into the box which sails out for a goal kick.

This time it's Sunderland's time to threaten the Portsmouth goal, but it comes to nothing as Craig MacGillivary punches the ball away from danger.

This has been a frantic opening quarter of an hour or so, but so far neither side have much to show for it.

Image source, Rex Features

Portsmouth have had the edge so far and their latest foray into the Sunderland box sees the ball bounce around as the hosts frantically try to clear.

However, the danger is cleared when referee Michael Salisbury blows for a foul but Pompey work it back upfield and win a corner, which is eventually claimed by Sunderland keeper Jon McLaughlin.

McLaughlin is then called in to punch away John Marquis' run towards goal. What a start.

It's a scrappy start to this match with both sides trying not to give their opponents any sort of advantage.

The sun is beating down on the Stadium of Light and the conditions are perfect. Meanwhile, Ben Close picks up the ball for Portsmouth in midfield and tries his luck from 25 yards out but his effort sails high and wide.

There's a roar from the Sunderland fans as Aiden McGeady charges down an attempted clearance from Portsmouth goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray.

Not much doing in the first few moments of this game but there's a fair amount of spice from both sets of fans.

Image source, Rex Features

Portsmouth have the first effort on goal. Ronan Curtis heads an Anton Walkes cross into the box just over the crossbar.

A bright start in the opening stages for the visitors, who have dominated much of the possession so far.

Cracking atmosphere for this one, too!

Sunderland, in their home kit, get this game under way attacking the goal to the right of the television gantry.

Portsmouth are wearing their grey away kit this afternoon. Lovely.

Out come the players in front of an impressive crowd at the Stadium of Light.

Can Sunderland bag their first league win of the season? Or will Portsmouth make it two wins in a row?

Kick-off is coming very soon.

Image source, Rex Features

This might be the first time that Sunderland face off against Portsmouth this season, but it's been a pretty frequent fixture of late.

334 miles separate these two sides and in less than nine months, this will be the sixth time they've played each other, including Pompey's victorious EFL Trophy final at Wembley and Sunderland's play-off semi-final win towards the end of last term.

That's a lot of travelling and it's shaping up for a fine match today.