Jack Ross is pleased with how Sunderland’s season is shaping up as preparations now switch to the Checkatrade Trophy Final.
On Saturday, the Black Cats moved to within two points of second-place Barnsley with a game in hand as they came from behind to beat Walsall.
Josh Gordon put the Saddlers in front inside four minutes before Lee Cattermole squeezed the ball home, with the help of stopper Liam Roberts and the post, to level things up at the break.
Will Grigg then combined with second-half substitute Charlie Wyke to secure all three points on Wearside, and ensure the lads capitalised on Barnsley’s failure to defeat Doncaster Rovers on Friday.
Luton Town also dropped points at home to Gillingham, leaving Sunderland seven off the Hatters with nine games left.
“I say often enough that every point we collect in this league is one we have had to earn,” Ross said.
“We’ve had to work incredibly hard for each one of the points we’ve got and particularly when you don’t start the game well it is tough.
“We defended poorly in the opening period so it’s challenging to come from a goal behind.
“I’m proud of the players in how they turned it around and the number of opportunities we created.
“It is a nice feeling to go into this enforced break with the win over Walsall,” he continued.
“It takes us to a nice points total and it leaves us in a good position and allows us the chance to now gather ourselves before we prepare for what lies ahead.”
