Andy Welsh paid tribute to his players as Sunderland under-23s moved four points clear at the top of Group C in the Premier League Cup.
A well-oiled first-half display proved enough to defeat South Wales side Cardiff City at Eppleton Colliery Welfare, courtesy of goals from Rees Greenwood and Tom Beadling.
The young Black Cats peppered the Bluebirds goal in a thrilling display, only for stopper Jason Byrne or the post to keep the visitors in close touch with their opponents.
With 25 minutes played, Greenwood made the breakthrough tapping home Ethan Robson’s parried strike.
Sunderland continued to lay siege on Cardiff’s goal, and just four minutes later Beadling poked home Elliot Embleton’s driven free-kick.
To Cardiff’s credit they battled throughout the second period, but the Black Cats held firm to move four points clear at the top of Group C, with trips to Blackburn Rovers and Burnley to come in February.
Speaking post-match, Welsh praised his player’s attitude in getting the job done following many miles on the road over the last week.
“A lot of our players have done quite a bit of travelling this week for the under-23s and the first team,” he said.
“We have been to Derby and some of them had been there as well as to Burnley and West Brom, so that’s a big ask but they have come in against Cardiff and done really, really well.
“We were left delighted with the first-half performance because we went in 2-0 up and we had created a lot of chances.
“Our passing was very strong, we moved it quickly and made some good decisions,” he continued.
“Like I said it should’ve been more and the game should’ve been over and done with at half-time, but we came out after the break and did a very professional job.
“Overall though with a clean sheet as well it was a very pleasing performance.”
