Elliott Dickman has praised Sunderland under-18s’ character after they clawed back a two-goal deficit to earn a draw against Oldham Athletic in their fourth pre-season friendly.
The youth team trailed at the break as Oldham’s physical approach played havoc with the Lads’ backline.
However, Dickman changed things at the break and that inspired a fine comeback with saw Lee Connelly halve the deficit as he scored his seven goal in pre-season five minutes into the second period.
Jack Diamond then got the Lads level before the foot of the post denied the young guns victory at the Academy of Light on Wednesday afternoon.
Speaking to safc.com Dickman admitted while there is plenty to work on, the players attitude is a major boost.
“We are pleased with the reaction from a poor first half,” he said. “We couldn’t handle the physicality that Oldham had but to be fair the players showed some character and we have ended up getting back into the game and scoring two goals.
“We possibly could’ve scored more in the end because we had the better chances. Lee got his chance in the second half and he was probably one of the main differences.”
He continued: “He is a willing runner, he has got a good team ethic and he also possess a bit of quality.
“There is a bit of work he still needs to do but he has got the ability to put the ball in the back of the net and that is a good quality to have.”
