Dion Sanderson has discussed the importance of reacting to Tuesday night’s disappointment by scooping three points against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
The defender played 85 minutes of Sunderland’s defeat to Shrewsbury Town, and briefly reflected on what went wrong and how the squad have dealt with it since.
“Echoing what the gaffer said in his post-match interview, we weren’t really at our game in the second half on Tuesday,” Sanderson acknowledged.
“We lost to mistakes which happen in football but recovering and bouncing back is what matters now.
“We can’t dwell on things, there’s no time to do that. With the number of games we have, it’s just about taking it game by game – recovery, training, putting on a performance and trying to get the three points, and then the same again.”
Prior to a 3-1 loss at Fleetwood Town in the week, Darren Moore’s visitors had won each of their last five Sky Bet League One matches, propelling the side into the top two.
“Doncaster are a good team, who have been on a consistent run. They lost their most recent game, but they’ve been in good form,” said Sanderson.
“You can tell they’re well organised and in a good place by the football they play – Darren Moore is a very good manager for them.
“They’re competing with us – both teams are looking to bounce back from defeats but there will always be ups and downs in football. We have to try and build on what the gaffer wants us to do – the lads are ready, we’re all at 100% and ready to go.”
The 21-year-old has become a popular figure with supporters since his loan move to Wearside from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Following a huge blow for the Lads with the injury suffered by Jordan Willis, Sanderson was thrown into the fray in Shropshire and is now eager to play his part and gather as much experience as possible under his belt.
“As a sub, you always have to be ready. As soon as I came on, I felt comfortable and knew what I had to do.
“I thought I settled well. Of course, now, I’m working hard to try and get into the team, get minutes, and I want to do well for this club.
“We want to get promoted, and I have to play my part in that, as have all the lads.”