Andrew Nelson believes an improvement is key ahead of Sunderland under-21s’ second pre-season friendly at Hearts this weekend.
The development squad travel to Scotland keen to build on the positives shown in Tuesday’s pre-season curtain-raiser at Seaham Red Star.
While David Paul’s header had given the hosts an early lead inside three minutes, the young Black Cats responded well and fought their way back into the game as Elliot Embleton dispatched a well-taken penalty in the 39th minute.
Sunderland continued on the front foot in the second period but were unable to make the most of their dominance as John Yves-Poame and Nelson had good efforts saved.
Speaking to safc.com Nelson admitted improvements need to be made ahead of their trip to Hearts.
“For the lads stepping up it's difficult because it's a completely different game of football at under-21 level,” he said. “You have got to get used to the physical side and against Seaham it’s a different opposition to what we are usually used to facing so it’s a good eye opener for the lads to start off with.
“It is a new squad but it’s all about getting together, bonding and getting used to how each other play.
“We need to go again but just improve on what we achieved against Seaham. We need to be a bit sharper with passing and decision making,” he continued.
“To be fair to be the lads they have done well considering it was their first proper game back. Hopefully we can take the best out of this game into our next one.”
Listen to the post-match thoughts of Andrew Nelson above.
