Cliff Byrne praised Sunderland under-23s after they secured their third consecutive clean sheet against Liverpool.
Lynden Gooch completed a planned 60 minutes for the Black Cats following his return from injury and had the lads’ first effort of the afternoon from 12 yards.
Liverpool created a number of chances in the opening period, but Sunderland refused to undone as Max Stryjek produced a string of fine stops to keep the scores level.
Tom Beadling rifled an effort into the side netting at the other end before the lads went on to screw after the break with Ethan Robson and Luke Molyneux denied by the woodwork.
Speaking post-match, Byne hailed his player’s work rate and commitment to the cause as they secured their third clean sheet on the trot.
“There are loads of positives we can take from the game,” he said. “We were probing throughout the game and we hit the woodwork a couple of times.
“We had a couple cleared off the line as well so credit to the lads because they never gave up and we are really pleased with the boys because they have been terrific over the last few weeks.
“You can see the work ethic they have – it’s fantastic. We expect that of them anyway but there’s one thing expecting it and another thing to actually deliver it.
“We are proud of the shift they put in but there is a tinge of disappointment in the dressing room that we haven’t come away with the win,” he continued.
“Three clean sheets in a row though is something to be proud of and it’s something we hope to build on now.
“We were resolute and while we pushed for a winner the work rate to get back and defend when we needed to was terrific.”
