Tom Beadling has urged Sunderland to raise their game ahead of their trip to Hartlepool United in the Checkatrade Trophy tonight, KO 7:30pm.
The Black Cats produced a valiant display at Cardiff City on Friday and after edging in front in the 76th minute, Jamie Bird’s stoppage-time strike saw the Bluebirds earn a share of the spoils in the Premier League Cup.
It was a bitter pill to swallow and paved the way for a long journey back to the north east for Sunderland, however, now fresh and recharged ahead of tonight’s trip to Victoria Park, Beadling has called for the lads to put the draw behind them and savour the experience of playing against Football League opposition.
“Physically Cardiff were good and we had to adapt our game,” he said.
“We matched them across the pitch, we defended well and when they did manage to get past us Max Stryjek did brilliantly in goal.
“We had a spell of intense pressure from them and then we took the lead and it was just a case of seeing the game out.
“Unfortunately, we conceded a last minute goal and it was tough to take but we have got a quick turnaround and now it’s all about focusing on Hartlepool.
“We have got to take the positives and learn from our mistakes because it is a great opportunity for us to showcase what we can do.”
