Gooch hopes Cats continue to play games and add to points tally
yet they have played four moreleaguegamesthanWigan in fourth, with the Latics five points behind.
That is because several of Wigan’s league fixtures have been postponed due to Covid cases or their FA Cup run, which could result in a backlog of games for Leam Richardson’s side.
Sunderland did see their home match against Fleetwood
postponed at the start of January, due to positive Covid casesinthevisitors’squad,but won’t have any more cup fixtures this campaign.
“Of course we were disappointed that the game was off last week and we want to keep that momentum going, keep playing games and keep putting points on the board,” Gooch added.
“We have been in recent years trying to play catch up and obviously that hasn’t worked. Hopefully, we can keep getting points on the board and keep our games on.”
DuetoSunderland’sdepleted squad, Gooch is one of the players who has needed to be adaptable.
Alongwithfellowwideman Leon Dajaku, who missed the Wycombe game, Gooch has been asked to play in a wingback role recently, yet the 26-year-oldreturnedtoamore attacking position at Adams Park.
“Even on this great run we’ve had people playing out of position, myself, Leon,” said Gooch. “We have had loads of playersplayingalloverthepark andtryingtofillthegaps.Today was like that.
“We all understand what the manager wants from us so when you slot in you just have to do the best you can."
On Covid issues disrupting Sunderland’s preparation, Gooch added: "It’s just the world we live in and I think we areusedtoitnowafterthepast couple of seasons. You have to bereadyforanythingandweek to week you don’t know what’s going to happen, day to day. You just have to be ready and try and fill in where you can.”