NEHL - Abbs Field was the fifth ground to host SAFC, after Horatio Street and before Newcastle Road. The first game played there was a 2-1 friendly against Birtley. It was the first professional ground where spectators were charged a fee to watch the team, and is also where Sunderland first played with red & white stripes.

Some 6 months after their first match, around 1,500 paying supporters watched Sunderland beat Birtley once again in the semi final of the Durham Challenge Cup, a competition that continues today. This was the second to be held, and Darlington won in the final. SAFC only lost 3 matches here, each time from a Scottish side. They lost 11-1 against Port Glasgow Rangers in 1885.

SAFC moved to Newcastle Road in 1886 after the landlord attempted to increase rent by 500%. The site is now occupied by housing.