Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson satisfied with a point against Doncaster

Posted Saturday, January 25, 2020 by PA

Phil Parkinson thinks Sunderland should not be downhearted after failing to see off Doncaster at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats climbed up to fifth courtesy of the goalless draw with Rovers but could not come up with the second-half winner to close the gap on the top two to three points.

Sunderland had the late chances without being at the levels they had hit during their recent three-match winning run, part of a greater eight-game unbeaten period.

Parkinson also paid tribute to Doncaster for how they went about leaving with a positive result.

The Black Cats boss said: “First half we were 100 miles an hour without and with the ball, second half we added composure, got in some great positions but couldn’t find a goal.

“Credit to Doncaster, they stiffened up the midfield area, we just needed to add that composure and we got into some fantastic positions.

“They did defend well. Very solid and resolute in everything they did, but equally I thought we concentrated at the back very well. We have to make sure the back door is shut and we don’t lose it, the concentration levels were great by our men at the back.

“We go into a big week for us now on the road with a point. We had good elements to our play, in that first period when we were not at our best, we had to make sure we defended properly and we restricted them.”

Doncaster boss Darren Moore felt that it was a good all-round display from his side even though he thought his side lacked a bit of quality in the final third.

Rovers have climbed to within three points of the play-off places after leaving Wearside with the draw and Moore has one eye on the transfer window as much as getting the ball in the net.

“When you come here, it is a wonderful arena, you have to manage a consistent team, manage the crowds as well. We did both parts well,” said Moore.

“Tom (Anderson) and Joe (Wright) will get the plaudits but as a team we got it right in terms of their off the ball work.

“I thought it was an accomplished display. In the final third we could have created more, used it more, the final bit in and around the box, we had a couple of chances but that is splitting hairs because that is a small critique.

“You want clean sheets, we have got another and the boys have to stay consistent. They are working hard, they are working as a unit even though we have five clean sheets from seven games.

“We had a few injuries in training, so we named six subs, whether it is six or seven only three can come on.

“Incoming wise, the hard bit is getting players over the line. We will keep working as a football club and see how it goes in the next few days.”