Johno’s far from happy

Northampton 0 Sunderland 0

LEE JOHNSON was disappointed with Sunderland’s lack of quality in the final third.

The Black Cats, playing their first match in over two weeks due to an outbreak of coronavirus, created only one-clear chance when Charlie Wyke scooped the ball over from close range late on.

“Obviously, with the way they play, it’s very direct and the pitch is conducive to a direct game and not a footballing game – and there were also no ballboys,” said Sunderland boss Johnson.

“It’s those little things and we knew the ball wouldn’t be in play anywhere near as much as we needed it to be to build a rhythm.

“But when we did have those good moments, particularly down the flanks in the first half, we could’ve produced a bit more quality. I can only really remember Charlie’s header early on and (Aiden) McGeady’s delivery for (Josh) Scowen at the far post in the first half.

“Charlie should also have scored in the second when he’s three or four yards from goal.

“Apart from that, there wasn’t a lot.”

Sunderland stay 11th in the table while Northampton remain 19th. Cobblers’ manager Keith Curle said: “That’s four points from two games this week and I’m pleased with that.

“It was a hard-fought encounter and we were very competitive.

“I can remember they had one header in the first half when our defensive line dropped too soon and Charlie Wyke had a clear header at goal but apart from that, I didn’t feel as if they opened us up.”