Phil Parkinson has called for his players to show more mental strength in the wake of their Emirates FA Cup draw with Gillingham.
Sunderland were held at the Stadium of Light to on Saturday when Olly Lee cancelled out Aiden McGeady’s first-half opener.
The result means the Black Cats have been frustrated in their last two games despite taking the lead, losing in the Leasing.com Trophy last Tuesday before Steve Evans’ side earned a replay.
But with little time to dwell, as the Lads travel to Scunthorpe United on Tuesday for their final Leasing.com Trophy group game, Parkinson has admitted his side must be stronger as a group if they are to get through testing periods in games unscathed.
“We were decent first half, switched the ball well and finally got a goal,” he said.
“We spoke at half time about them coming out with a more aggressive style of play – we lost headers, challenges straight away.
“You can’t legislate for a mistake like that.
“I see today you have to respond better than we did today when we concede. They made it more of a scrappy game, more physical and we didn’t respond to that.
“I think it’s being stronger as a group and you don’t get it all your own way,” he continued.
“You’re not 3-0 up against Tranmere all the time, with everyone enjoying themselves and letting you play.
“Sometimes you've got to roll your sleeves up and get through a period in the game and I don’t think we did that.”
