Ross sees progress as Black Cats get their first win of the season

Posted Wednesday, August 14, 2019 by PA

Sunderland boss Jack Ross was pleased with the way his side took their chances in their 3-1 Carabao Cup first round victory at Accrington.

On-loan Reading striker Marc McNulty got off the mark for the Black Cats, firing home in the 17th minute before Stanley’s new signing Colby Bishop levelled from the penalty spot on the hour.

Sub Aiden McGeady raced through the Stanley defence with 11 minutes remaining before slotting home, then fellow sub Charlie Wyke made it safe in added time.

It was Sunderland’s first win of the season, after two league draws, and they will now travel to Premier League side Burnley in the second round.

Ross said: “I was critical post match on Saturday, especially of our first half. We were better in the second half and we took that momentum into tonight’s game – and we were better again.

“We picked a team we thought was best suited to win, sometimes it comes off and sometimes it doesn’t and tonight it did.

“I was pleased for Marc McNulty to score his first goal for us and also to get his first assist.

“We brought him to the club to score goals but also to create them and it’s a big bonus that he scored.”

Manager John Coleman was frustrated his side could not at least take the Black Cats to penalties.

He explained: “I don’t think there was a lot in the first half. It was a good move for their (first) goal and then we had a chance and that was the sum of the chances really.

“In the second half we stepped up a gear and I think we were the better team for 25 minutes.

“I thought the game would peter out into penalties but then a mistake in midfield has gifted Aiden McGeady the ball and he is a quality player.

“For the last goal, we were pushing for the equaliser. Sunderland had that extra bit of quality going forward and that was the difference.”