Black Cats purr again with depth proving key

JAMIE McAllister thinks the quality within Sunderland’s squad is beginning to shine through after another win in the promotion race.

The Black Cats moved five points shy of the top two and have two games in hand on leaders Hull City after first-half goals from Dion Sanderson and Charlie Wyke.

McAllister, the Sunderland assistant boss, said: “It was a difficult game, the lads gave us a chance with a clean sheet, a platform to build on.

“Rochdale caused problems, but the keeper made a couple of good saves, it’s a difficult game and the lads managed it well.

“Our strength in depth is showing now with the injuries. Most teams have them when games come thick and fast, the lads coming in have been excellent.”

Sunderland took the lead in the seventh minute when Aiden McGeady’s free-kick into the box was headed low and inside the bottom corner by Sanderson.

Rochdale had chances to level when Kwadwo Baah was denied by the chest of Luke O’Nien and Conor Shaughnessy turned Ryan McLaughlin’s low delivery over the bar.

But Wyke timed his run to perfection in the 35th minute to nod Jordan Jones’ cross low and with power into the corner to put Sunderland in control. The goal being his 25th of the campaign.

Rochdale almost pulled one back immediately after the restart. Goalkeeper Lee Burge turned a low drive from Stephen Humphrys behind for a corner.

Chris Maguire and Wyke had further chances for Sunderland, but the two goals were enough.

Dale have now gone eight matches without a win and this defeat has dropped them to the foot of the division.

Boss Brian Barry-Murphy said: “Our lads put everything into the game. We have played well against one of the best teams in the division and feel disappointed to come away with a defeat.

“It is fine margins. I am excited for the rest of the season and it is important we bounce back.

“It is easy to get distracted by other things going on off the pitch at this stage of the season, but everyone here is desperate to do well and focus on staying in the division.

“The excitement is there in the dressing room and our luck will change.”