Sunderland under-23s will continue their Premier League 2 campaign this evening away at Stoke City.
The young Black Cats appeared to have turned a corner as they kicked started 2019 at home to Newcastle United.
After leading 2-0 at the Academy of Light with 34 minutes played, through goals from Lee Connelly and Jack Diamond, the Magpies produced a shock comeback as Roaire-Longelo-Mbule struck an injury-time winner.
That left Dickman urging his side to be more ‘ruthless’ across the park, as work quickly started on looking to put the wrongs right in time for tonight’s trip to Stoke City.
However, the Lads will be without defender Jack Bainbridge for the match at Clayton Wood Training Ground, kick-off 7pm, with Dickman admitting his injury picked up against Newcastle United came as a blow to the side.
“Bambo has been fantastic and I am delighted with how he has progressed this season for us,” he said.
“He came in during the summer and has added some maturity to the changing room.
“He can be as daft as the lad sat next to him, but he works incredibly hard and is a big player for us.
“It was a big blow to lose him in the Newcastle match because he brings some experience, he has a calmness and helps organise from the back.
“That’s football, though. You get blows and it’s one we have to deal with.”
