Mark Atkinson hailed his side’s well-oiled display against Newcastle United, but admitted the pleasing performance was overshadowed by the lack of a cutting edge.
Sunderland’s hopes of a fresh start in their Premier League merit groups were dashed on Saturday as the Magpies produced an extremely clinical performance to run out convincing 3-0 winners.
However, the game was far from a full gone conclusion as the scoreline may suggest.
Jack Diamond was denied by Nathan Harker twice as the Magpies stopper was in inspired form, also guessing the correct way to keep Lee Connelly’s spot kick out.
But while the young Black Cats struggled to find the net, Newcastle romped through the gears at the other end and dealt the visitors three sucker punches, with finishes from Mace Goodridge, Jack Robson and Callum Smith sealing victory for the Magpies.
"It was a tremendous performance because we had the majority of the possession and created plenty of opportunities,” Atkinson told safc.com.
“In the end, though, we weren't ruthless enough.
“We had a penalty saved and even hit the bar and post several times.
Their keeper played very well and when you're chasing the game you leave yourselves open and we were caught with a sucker punch, especially for their third goal.”
He continued: “I was pleased with the effort we put in but I think we might have to work on our finishing before Wolves next week."
