Elliott Dickman was left to rue costly mistakes as his side surrendered their lead to Stoke City on Monday.
Jake Hackett handed Sunderland a fine start, firing home Connor Shields’ cross after the Potters had asked most of the questions in the opening period.
But the Black Cats had few answers in the second 45, with Oliver Shenton and Tyrese Campbell capitalising on defensive errors to turn the Premier League 2 fixture on its head and secure the win.
“It was a tough game and a hard result to take,” Dickman said.
“I thought we did well to take the lead, it was a well taken goal from Jake. That is something he needed to add to his game. He needs to be getting into the box more, it’s something he has done at younger age groups and it is something we expect from him in the under-23s.
“He took his goal well, but it was a tough start for us. We were too deep in the second 45 and didn’t play as well as we could’ve.
“I can’t fault the performances of our defenders. We have got to deal with the danger rather than waiting for a shout or someone else to react.
“The lads have said that, but I’d prefer it if they didn’t have to hold their hands up afterwards,” he continued.
“It says they are honest and that they want to get better but ultimately if they don’t make the mistake then they don’t score, and we don’t lose.”
