Tommy Robson believes his team-mates held their nerve to produce their best football and advance into the semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup on Wednesday.
Max Stryjek had to be alert from the very first whistle, Iker Hernandez proved to be Athletic Club’s brightest spark as his movement thwarted Sunderland’s backline.
Ethan Robson, however, turned the tie on its head on 25 minutes as he stabbed home Joel Asoro’s parried strike to give the Black Cats a slender advantage at the Stadium of Light.
Stryjek was once again called into action, this time right on the stroke of half-time as he got down to his left side to deny Peru Nolaskoain’s corner-bound strike.
And that save ended up to be a pivotal moment as two minutes into the second period saw Elliot Embleton double the Lads’ lead from range.
Ingo Córdoba was later shown a straight red as Athletic’s evening turned from bad to worse, and from there the Black Cats held out to book their place in the semi-finals for the first time.
“It is unbelievable when you look at the games we have played so far in the competition,” he said.
“They have been really hard but we have given it as best as we have got, been tough in the tackle and shown what we are about.
“We have been competitive and that’s what we do well at but we have played some great football at times also.”
He continued: “It’s a great achievement because we all stick together, we work together and it has been great.
“I’m just relishing the semi-final draw because we have earned our place in the last four.”
