Reece of bad luck for Ross JAMES OWN GOAL DENIES CATS THE POINTS

JACK ROSS admitted he was in two minds about his reaction to Sunderland drawing against Charlton.

The point keeps the Wearsiders in third place in League One, and just a point off Luton in second with a game in hand.

Sunderland had to withstand major pressure from fellow high-flyers Charlton in the second half, and manager Ross (right) insisted it was as much a point gained as two lost.

He said: “I think it’s difficult to say for certain how we feel about it, it’s a little bit bittersweet because we started the game well. Throughout the first half we created really good opportunities and when you don’t take them you allow Charlton the opportunity to come back into it.

“We were at a tough venue and their home record has been very good throughout the course of the season, but also very recently.

“The perception of us in this league and sometimes the expectation on us means that there’s disappointment when we don’t win a game.

“The reality is that it’s a tough league with some good teams in it. There’s some tough venues and today was one of them. Once we dust ourselves down we’ll start to look upon it as a good point.” Sunderland made the perfect start after less than two minutes, when Luke O’Nien connected first time to a Reece James J cross.

The visitors dom- inated for much of the game, before

Charlton began to grow and eventually pulled level when James put into to his own net.

After further efforts from Karlan Grant and Sunderland substitute Duncan Watmore, Charlton manager Lee Bowyer felt his side just about edged the contest. He said: “The first half they were the better side, they were solid in possession and we couldn’t really find the gaps to play through them.

“In the second half I thought we were outstanding, we dominated it and on chances we’v we’ve probably edged it – clear cut as well.

“I thought it was a great advert for League One, that game. g Two teams pushing p each other and who want to get automatic promotion.

“I’m never going to be happy if we don’t win, because that’s what we do – we work hard every day to win. I feel for the players and I take it personally when I see them put themselves through that pain.”