Jack Ross was pleased to see his players get more minutes in the tank as Sunderland begun their pre-season tour in Portugal, sponsored by UK Asbestos Specialists Limited.
The Black Cats played out a goalless draw against Benfica B at the Estádio Municipal de Albufeira, with new signing Jordan Willis and Ruben Sammut handed their first run out.
Willis featured for 45 minutes in a back three alongside Alim Ozturk and Jack Baldwin while former Chelsea midfielder Sammut, who replaced Grant Leadbitter at the break, settled quickly alongside his new team-mates.
Chances were created in either half, but the Black Cats had to wait ‘til the closing stages for their best chance to fall Duncan Watmore’s way.
Substitute Elliot Embleton slipped through a measured pass and Watmore steamed onto it but saw his effort rattled the woodwork before Sammut’s follow-up was smothered on the line.
Speaking to safc.com post-match, Ross shared his pleasure at the Lads’ second of four friendlies in the lead-up to the 2019-20 League One campaign.