Ross: Cats will appeal controversial red card
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Tony Pulis had special praise for striker Jordan Hugill, after his side continued their fine run of form with a 2-1 win at Brentford.
Goals from Hugill and Marcus Tavernier made it six games unbeaten, with Boro second in the Sky Bet Championship, two points behind leaders Norwich.
Hugill gave the hosts’ two young centre-backs a torrid time throughout the match.
Pulis said: “He moved them about and gave them a very physical test and that allowed us to get others in and around him to pick up the pieces.”
Alan Judge gave Brentford hope with a late goal and Pulis was unhappy with how his side dropped deeper to let the hosts back into the game.
“Once we were two up I thought we could have consolidated and looked to add to it, but we fell back a little and that allowed them to get back into the game a little which was disappointing,” he said.
“But we were resilient, well organised and always posed a threat going forward, so I can’t complain too much about the outcome.” SUNDERLAND will appeal Max Power’s red card at Walsall – with Jack Ross absolutely adamant that it “wasn’t even close” to a sending off.
Power was shown a straight red for the third time this season during the first half at Walsall for a tackle on Liam Kinsella.
If the card is not rescinded, he will face a five-game ban and will also miss the Checkatrade Trophy game against Notts County.
Sunderland failed with an appeal against Power’s dismissal against Oxford United in September, and did not try to overturn the card he received at Bradford City in October.
But Ross insists his player was harshly treated at the Bescot Stadium.
“It is not a sending off,” the Sunderland manager said. “This season I try and be fairly measured with all my comments, even with officials, at times we have had some decisions go against us.
“If you take Max in isolation, I think your gut tells you at the time – having been experienced in playing and coaching – and against Oxford I could see why it was given, Bradford is an easier one.
“Today, my gut reaction at the time is that it isn’t even a yellow card. I have had the benefit of watching it back, it isn’t even a yellow card.
“If it isn’t overturned, I would be amazed.”