Patience is the key for Parkinson
PHIL PARKINSON felt Sunderland were rewarded for their patience against Bristol Rovers as three late goals earned them another victory in their charge for promotion.
Sunderland were in control for much of the game, but barely tested keeper Jamal Blackman until Rovers’ Abu Ogogo was sent off.
Two goals in quick succession by Lynden Gooch and Charlie Wyke put the Black Cats in command, before Luke O’nien finished the job with a deflected effort to take Sunderland up to fourth.
“I thought we played well in the first half, we just couldn’t get a goal,” said Parkinson.
SUNDERLAND BRISTOL ROVERS
NIGEL CLOUGH felt Burton’s win should have been more comfortable.
Lucas Akins, Ryan Edwards and Jamie Murphy scored, but Burton were hanging on after Sam Mantom’s shot found the net via goalkeeper Kieran O’hara’s misjudged punch and John-joe O’toole scored an own goal.
Clough said: “Our play was good enough to be more than one clear.”
“You don’t always get everything your own way in football, sometimes it doesn’t fall for you.
“We reiterated at half-time, keep moving the ball quickly, keep getting into areas where we know we could hurt Bristol Rovers, keep knocking on the door and, eventually, it’ll come.”
Referee Ben Toner made a number of questionable decisions during the first half, including turning down a strong Sunderland penalty appeal.
Parkinson added: “The other thing we spoke about was keeping cool heads.
“Everyone was getting frustrated with some of the decisions out there. I was so pleased with the lads for
MICHAEL APPLETON will attempt to overturn Tayo Edun’s red card from the draw with Gillingham.
The left-back was shown a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.
Appleton said: “It’s never a booking in any game of football ever.”
Gillingham boss Steve Evans said: “The wind spoilt it.” the way they did that in second period.
“And it was one of their players who lost his cool and took them down to 10 men.”
Rovers boss Ben Garner was frustrated with Toner and was booked for his protests against Wyke’s goal after Tony Craig suffered a head wound in the build-up.
Garner said: “The second goal, I absolutely cannot fathom.
“The referee has told me it wasn’t a clash of heads.
“I’ve asked for an apology because it’s a very clear clash of heads and the game should stop straight away.
“He’s booked me for saying it’s a clash of heads.
“The rules are the rules, it’s a clash of heads, it’s dangerous, Tony Craig has got a huge lump on the side of the head.”
RUSSELL MARTIN thinks one simple change could help Rhys Healey extend his five-game scoring run after his latest match-winner.
“His approach is fantastic,” said Martin.
“If he could learn the offside rule he would be even better.”
Bolton have lost four in a row, a run manager Keith Hill labelled “a major concern.”
FLEETWOOD
Southend 2 Burton 3
Lincoln 0 Gillingham 0
MK Dons 1 Bolton 0