Town manager Grayson left frustrated after defeat to Black Cats

Ex-Sunderland manager Simon Grayson felt a 2-0 scoreline flattered his former club – as they registered a crucial win over Fleetwood Town.

Grayson’s new side held resolute during the first-half despite the Black Cats having dominated possession for the majority of the contest, pinning their visitors back.

But they came undone after the break courtesy of headers from Aiden O’Brien and Max Power, which sentenced Grayson to only a second league defeat since taking charge of the Cod Army.

The 51-year-old was frustrated with elements of his side’s performance on Wearside, particularly when it came to keeping hold of possession, but felt the scoreline was somewhat harsh – particularly after Fleetwood managed to contain two of Sunderland’s in-form players for the most part.

“I don’t think there was too much in the game to be fair in the first half,” Grayson said.

"Obviously coming here isn’t easy, they’re on a good run at the moment.

"I thought we kept [Charlie] Wyke quiet, I thought [Aiden] McGeady was quiet, who I thought were two influential players and we had to make sure that we nullified them and there wasn’t a great deal in it.

“I don’t think Sunderland had too many chances, we didn’t have too many chances.

"I think it’s probably a testament to how we played in the first half that Sunderland had to go and change their formation, which again, there was not too much in it.”

“It’s frustrating because we know we can do better,” he continued.

"We gave the ball away too cheaply as well, we’re a good footballing team.

"We gave it away unnecessarily which allowed Sunderland to have a little bit more momentum.

“Was it a two-nil game? Not really.

"We had a chance in the first half and one of the strikers nearly got on the end of it and there wasn’t a lot in it.

"Our keeper has hardly had a save to make apart from the last 15 minutes where we’re pushing forward, trying to get the equaliser.

"There’s been encouraging signs, we’re just disappointed in the manner of the goals we’ve conceded.”