Andy Welsh paid tribute to his players’ desire and character after they held out to secure a hard fought point against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.
George Honeyman rammed home an early opener on 11 minutes as Sunderland under-23s went into an early lead.
Adnan Januzaj then raced clear to double the Black Cats’ lead after Lynden Gooch had been stretchered off.
However, just as the Lads looked to be cruising Shilow Tracey halved the deficit as a momentary lapse in concentration was punished as slotted home after a neat one-two on the edge of the box.
Spurs continued to pile forward after the break and Tracey was on target for a second time as he rifled home to draw the visitors level.
From there, the Black Cats hung in there and were unfortunate not to steal victory late on as Josh Maja and Joel Asoro went close.
Speaking post-match Welsh delivered his honest assessment.
“In the first half we played some good football and the two goals we scored were excellent,” he said.
“Adnan's goal was a terrific run and finish and he showed great pace and technique. The goal we scored from George was excellent build up, a great switch and then a good finish.
“We conceded a sloppy goal just before half time which we normally defend quite well and we let them straight back into the game.
“We didn't start the second period particularly quickly but we grew into it and we create one or two chances. It certainly wasn't our best display but we've had some really tough nights.
“The players did excellent to dig a point out of a tough match. Spurs were quick, fast and moved the ball quality,” he continued.
“Sometimes with the ball we defend resolutely and that's a big plus we've had since I started with this team.
“They don't like to lose football matches and they always work their hardest to win football matches.”
