CATS BOSS EYES HUGE TRANSFER BOOST
GOOCH GOAL SEALS WIN AT GRIMSBY
Sunderland, under Jack Ross, remain very much a work in progress.
With the Sunderland squad still at least six players shy – including two strikers and two defenders – wantaway players still needing to be shipped out and an over reliance on youth, there is clearly much work to be done.
However, three pre-season games in and Ross at least has his first win under his belt, with clear signs of progression in their play in last night’s 1-0 friendly success at Grimsby.
Sunderland are crying out for a recognised striker to lead the attack, but the buildup play was impressive, full of slick passes, with Dylan McGeouch dictating play.
Callum McManaman was excellent. The winger will be a key asset in the third tier should Sunderland keep hold of him.
Time and time again he had the beating of his man, whipping in several excellent crosses, yet there was nobody there to take advantage.
Chris Maguire led the attack. He is a grafter and produced a deft cross for Lynden Gooch’s 31st-minute header to win the game.
But Maguire is not an outand-out striker.
The defence still needs reinforcements too, with U23 regular Brandon Taylor drafted into centre-back to partner Tom Flanagan.
Ross will be desperate to get Alim Ozturk some more game time before the real action gets underway.
Certainly there is food for thought for Ross up front and in defence, but the signs are there that the players are taking his vision on board, with the 4-3-3 formation again preferred.
It was a vast improvement on the Darlington and Hartlepool United performances and slowly this Sunderland side is showing signs of improvement.
Make no mistake, though, the cavalry needs to arrive soon if Sunderland are to launch a serious assault on League One.
Goalscorers are needed and Ross is hoping for serious movement in the coming days in the club’s pursuit of striker targets Charlie Wyke and Mo Eisa.
For now, all he can do is help improve the players currently part of his squad, or at least those that want to be at the club.
Wantaway trio Lamine Kone, Didier Ndong and Papy Djilobodji were again not involved.
At least Ross can reflect on a job well done at Grimsby , a deserved win.
Sunderland were backed by almost 500 fans at Blundell Park. They watched on as Grimsby went close from the halfway line, as George Honeyman giftd away possession but the cheeky lobbed effort from ex-Sunderland youth Jordan Cook drifted wide of keeper Max Stryjek’s post.
Stryjek was commanding in goal, impressing as he confidently and regularly came for crosses.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between. Cook saw a free-kick sail just side for the hosts, while Sunderland’s Donald Love fired an effort over from the edge of the area.
Sunderland grew into the half and their hard work eventually paid off on the half hour mark,as Gooch nodded home Maguire’s cross.
Sunderland ended the half on top.McManaman – who should have had a penalty after being wiped out 38 minutes in – was a constant threat.
Another Sunderland player to impress was Maguire, playing as a No.9 but often coming deep to get on the ball. His 52nd-minute cross was headed wide by skipper Honeyman. It was a big chance. Grimsby had an effort of their own two minutes later, defender Alex Whitmore volleying across goal at the back post from a tight angle.
The rhythm of the game was inevitably disrupted with half an hour to go when the hosts made their scheduled nine changes.
Sunderland replaced Stryjek with Robbin Ruiter on 66 minutes, with Adam Matthews on for Denver Hume.
Ruiter was quickly called into action, the Dutchman reacting superbly to tip a Jake Hessenthaler effort round the post.
Ross brought on Josh Maja and Benji Kimpioka on for the final 20 minutes to bring some fresh energy. And it almost paid off, with 18-year-old Kimpioka driving forward before firing a low effort inches wide.
Gooch went close on 80 minutes, pulling his shirt over his head in frustration after sending his effort wide.
Honeyman sent another effort