'They were there for the taking': Kewell's verdict on Sunderland

Oldham boss Harry Kewell believed that Sunderland were ‘there for the taking’ during their Papa John’ s Trophy clash – and has queried two major calls in the game.

The Latics had taken an early lead at Boundary Park following a dramatic buildup to the cup tie, which saw kick-off delayed by 20 minutes before Sunderland had to make a late change to their team because Dion Sanderson was cup-tied.

Kewell suggested it was ‘not right’ that the Black Cats were allowed to make the late switch that saw Tom Flanagan come into the side – but wouldn’t use that as an excuse for his side squandering an opportunity to progress.

"Look, we didn' t know there was a chop and a change of the team at the start – which is not right,” said the Oldham head coach, speaking to the club’s official website.

"But we started the game excellent, I felt. We controlled it, we worked it, Bahamboula was frightening down the right-hand side, we created a wonderful chance and Bobby scored a fantastic goal.

"And then we knew what they were capable of doing because they have fantastic players.

"They pass and move and try to create the third-man run.

"The number seven was causing us a bit of a problem, but if we just drop in and we gave them less room to manoeuvre then we can counter.

"But the goal was an easy goal and it’ s a shame, because opportunities in football don’t come around that often.

"They were there for the taking today. I said good luck to them, but I’m disappointed.”

And Kewell alsoqu estioned the decision to push kick-off back, after an accident on the M62 saw Sunderland arrive at the ground just 40 minutes before the scheduled kick-off.

"I’ m actually surprised they get away with it,” he admitted.

"People always have a go at the top players, every little thing, but players don’t – even if they know they’re late, they adjust.

"But at this level they seem to be ‘that’s okay, fair enough, can you help?’.

"We have to adapt, it wasn’t ideal, but it doesn’t condone the two goals we gave away.”