Robbie Stockdale was pleased with Sunderland’s efforts following a 1-1 draw with Rochdale in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The Black Cats’ opening game of the tournament ended level after 90 minutes meaning both sides gained a point in Group F, but there was further drama to come with Rochdale gaining a second point via a penalty shootout.
It was a cruel end for a young Sunderland who were vibrant throughout the course of the game, and they deserved their opener midway through the second period as Elliot Embleton rifled the ball into the net.
Speaking post-match Stockdale reflected on a hard-fought encounter and praised the Lads’ effort and commitment.
“Overall I think a draw was probably a fair result after the 90 minutes,” said the first-team coach. “I think we got caught for the first 15 minutes with balls in our box and our two full-backs up against two giants, but after that we played our stuff and played some really good football.
“Our play in the final third wasn’t great and we should have had a few more chances, but we spoke about that at half-time and the one bit of real quality in the game saw us score a really good goal.”
He continued: “The disappointment was that we couldn’t hold onto the lead a little bit longer, and I think their goal shook us because we didn’t do enough of the things we wanted to do.
“Overall we grew into the game and like I said after the first 15 minutes we dealt with it and kept them at bay, and Max [Stryjek] did ever so well to help that in goal with Jason [Denayer] and Michael [Ledger]playing well at the back.
“This competition, for us, is about that [competitive edge for young players] and it felt real; the game was played in a fair but competitive way and although we lost on penalties it was a draw after 90 minutes and we’re off the mark in the group.
“I think if we continue to play like that in the next two games we will do well.”
