First time this season Cats have looked tired

Jack Ross felt his Sunderland side looked a ‘little bit leggy’ for the first time this season in the 1-1 FA Cup second round clash at Walsall.

Sunderland took the lead through Aiden McGeady’s close-range finish but the Black Cats were pegged back second half, Newcastle United fan Andy Cook firing home the equaliser for the Saddlers.

The replay will take place a week on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the game, Ross said: “I wouldn’t have taken the result at half-time but the way the second half panned out, we would probably have taken it.

“We looked for the first time this season a little bit leggy.

“It is maybe understandable given the challenges we have had mentally and physically.

“I am pleased we can continue this run and we are in the draw, I was disappointed with aspects of the performance in the second half.

“The way the game panned out, it had a very different feel to it.

“First half was almost too straightforward for us, we were very dominant, very different to how we expected the game to be like.

“We didn’t respond to the challenge second half but I will defend my players because of the demands of late, it was the first day it caught up with them a bit.”

That result means the two teams will have to face-off once again to discover which side will secure a place in the Third Round of the FA Cup and a potential glamour tie as the big teams enter the competition.

The replay at the Stadium of Light is set for Tuesday, December 11 (7.45pm kick-off ).

This will fall between the Black Cats’ trip to Accrington Stanley and their home clash with Bristol Rovers the following Saturday.

There is a chance that the replay could be moved for television coverage, with the televised replay selection set to be confirmed once all second round ties have been completed.

Ticket details for the second round replay will be announced in due course.