Sunderland’s luck was out as they crashed out of the FA Youth Cup following a narrow defeat at Watford, admits Mark Atkinson.
The young Black Cats were reduced to ten men after just 25 minutes as Rayed Derbali was dismissed, and they fell behind before the break as Lewis Gordon struck.
Atkinson’s side produced a brave performance and were unlucky not to level, with Jack Hackett’s shot coming off the post before Lee Connelly saw an effort ruled out for offside.
And speaking to safc.com, Atkinson admitted that key decisions went against the Wearsiders.
“It was probably just too much for us against Watford, especially playing with 10 men,” explained the coach.
“Because of the week we have had in terms of illnesses we knew it was going to be tough, but we didn’t feel the sending off was correct and it was a major decision that went against us.”
He continued: “Then, Lee Connelly’s goal in the second-half was ruled out for offside and I thought it was tight at the time – looking back on video it shows he wasn’t.
“We did well in spells, we moved the ball well and we were well in the game, but the biggest thing was that we were running on empty for so long.
“We have had a tough week going into the match with Benji [Kimpioka] and [Jake Hackett] being ill and Williams [Kokolo] hasn’t trained since before Christmas, so it was a big ask to come in and play 90 minutes.”