Phil Parkinson was disappointed by his side's inability to sustain their performance level in the second 45 as Gillingham forced a replay in the Emirates FA Cup today.
Sunderland hit the front in the opening period when Aiden McGeady’s low shot trickled under Gillingham’s stopper.
It was nothing more than the Black Cats deserved after a commanding display, which could’ve seen them further in front at the break had Chris Maguire’s sweet volley been a fraction to the right.
However, the Lads were made to rue that missed chance within 60 seconds of the restart as Olly Lee’s free kick squirmed through Jon McLaughlin’s legs.
Marc McNulty provided some spark when he came on, working a shooting chance for himself before teeing up Luke O’Nien who couldn’t quite stretch far enough to get a toe on the ball.
The result means Sunderland will have to make the 600-mile round trip to Priestfield Stadium later this month for their Emirates FA Cup replay.
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