Johnson’s verdict on Cats’ draw at York & gives Gooch injury update

Lee Johnson is hopeful that Lynden Gooch will be back in Sunderland action soon after the forward picked up an injury during the 1-1 draw with York City on Wednesday night.

Gooch was substituted around 20 minutes in the game after feeling some discomfort in his hamstring.

The 25-year-old was quickly replaced by Jack Diamond, with Johnson saying there was no need to take any risks.

Gooch is unlikely to feature against Harrogate Town on Saturday, but could yet return for the final two preseason friendlies next week.

"He just felt a little twinge," Johnson said.

"He thinks he'll quite comfortably be back in a week, but obviously we didn't want to take any risks with it."

Sunderland took the lead at the LNER Community Stadium through an excellent Dan Neil goal, and the Black Cats had numerous chances to extend their lead further in a solid first-half display.

Poor set-piece defending let the hosts get back on level terms early in the second half and a Benji Kimpioka penalty miss in the final minutes left the Black Cats forced to settle for a draw.

"First half I thought we were good, we pretty much had total control," Johnson said.

"Second half I was disappointed with.

"You saw probably 85/90% of how we want to play in that first half: high line, winning the ball back early, got in behind five or six times.

"It was a little bit toothless, I thought, not enough numbers in the box and trying to score the perfect goal, which to be fair we then did.

"But I'd have liked to have worked the goalkeeper a little bit more for the dominance we had.

"That's just an attitude thing [to work on]. We've got to get Corry Evans continuing to play forward relentlessly.

"Because if you don't get that two-goal lead, that's what happens.

"Teams can build up a head of steam, you can make a set piece error like we did night, a refereeing decision etc.

"If you're playing someone like Gillingham, for example, you know you're going to have to defend your box and they can bombard you.

"We've got to get the balance as a team."