Robbie Stockdale left Victoria Park delighted as Sunderland produced a pleasing display to overcome Hartlepool United in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The Black Cats were bright throughout and were unfortunate not to lead at the break after Tom Bealdling and Josh Maja forced saves from Adam Bartlett.
Maja then had a goal ruled out for offside in the 42nd minute before he later saw another attempt chalked off in the second period.
Sunderland rallied though and after weathering a spell of Hartlepool pressure, Donald Love handed the visitors the advantage with a neat finish after good work from the energetic Maja.
From there on, the visitors shut up shop and produced a resolute display to limit the League Two outfit to few openings to really trouble Mika.
Speaking post-match Stockdale delivered his verdict.
“Certainly aspects of the game were really positive,” he said.
“There is still some work to do in possession and out of it but I think overall the players have acquitted themselves very well.
“Donald played in midfield which is a position he has played in, in the past. His game was sound all the way through, his passing on the whole was very good and out of possession he was strong.
“Our centre-backs were fantastic, especially when Michael Ledger was still on the pitch because he formed a really good partnership with George Brady.
He continued: “Then when Tom (Beadling) dropped back into the back four they dealt very well with the main part of Hartlepool’s physical threat so all three of them can be really proud of their performance.”
Watch Stockdale's interview in full above.
