NO.9 LIFE FOR CATS
Striker Naz could be real deal for Beale
MICHAEL BEALE hopes that he has found an answer to Sunderland’s striker vacancy as Nazariy Rusyn grabbed a deserved equaliser.
As Boro boss Michael Carrick bemoaned his side’s lack of “killer instinct”, Beale is hoping Rusyn’s second goal for the Black Cats is a catalyst for more.
Both North East rivals lack a prolific striker. Boro sold Morgan Rogers for £15m in January, while Sunderland have lacked a No.9 for 18 months.
The lack of cutting edge at either end was plain to see in this draw.
Both have play-off aspirations, but ended the day eighth and 12th respectively and narrowly adrift of the top six.
Substitute striker Rusyn levelled the score seven minutes from time. The outstanding Jack Clarke broke and switched play to Rusyn free on the right corner of the box.
The Ukrainian striker bobbled the ball up with his first touch and volleyed past Tom Glover from 20 yards, although the Boro keeper could have done better.
Sunderland boss Beale said: “It is massive to get Rusyn scoring. His wife and kids are here now and I have seen a difference from him.
“Where he is from there is a war going on. It is better for him on a personal level. His energy and work-rate is excellent.
“I have been pleased with him. My job is to work with the players in front of me and I am very pleased with them.”
Boro opened the scoring when Marcus Forss (below) struck on the hour and it was a brilliant improvised finish.
The hosts won a controversial freekick when referee
Darren England adjudged a foul by Dan Neil on Sam Greenwood, even though the first offence came from the Boro man.
From the set-piece Greenwood’s shot bounced up off Pierre Ekwah’s block to Forss lurking 16 yards out. The Finnish star controlled with his left foot and swivelled to bang home with his right.
Things swung Sunderland’s way in the last 20 minutes, after they had bossed the first half. Beale said: “It was a really good Championship game. I expected to have a goal after those chances in the first half. We started the second half slow.
“Our reaction was fantastic and we scored and we have some other moments to do better. There were tap-ins there for us and I wonder are people gambling enough in the box?
“We saw the good and the indifferent from us. Last 20, all of a sudden, we were winning the duels and our tails were up. We need strong 90-minute performances.” Carrick said: “It feels like we lose points we should be gaining. Too many games we get into positions, control and look dangerous and then give them something.
“It is all sorts of reasons. That ruthless killer instinct maybe.
“The boys know it, they have to kill games off. We know it is there for us. They have to keep striving for better to help them become that successful team.”
On keeper Glover, Carrick said: “He’s fine. He’s made some big saves and been a big presence recently and he will get over that.”