Resilient Black Cats showed they can be a match for anyone

SUNDERLAND’S performance against Peterborough was as inspiring as their weekend display at Coventry was underwhelming.

The Black Cats led in both games only to end up with a draw, but there the similarities end.

While Sunderland never looked in control against the 14-placed Sky Blues at the Ricoh Arena, on home soil against promotion rivals Posh they were in charge until Bryan Oviedo’s rush of blood cost them two points.

Because up to Oviedo’s red card for stupidly kicking out at Marcus Maddison 20 minutes from time, Josh Maja’s first-half goal looked like it would be enough to see Sunderland pass their biggest test of the season against promotion rivals Posh.

But once down to ten men, the game swung this way and that.

First Joe Ward levelled and the scales tilted in Peterborough’s favour.

Then Jerome Sinclair scored his first goal for the club to put Sunderland back in the box seat.

And Ivan Toney dragged his side back on terms for a second time.

Despite being shorthanded, it was Sunderland pushing for a winner at the death.

The Sunderland fans roared their approval and with good reason.

The boos at the final whistle were directed towards referee David Coote and his assistants, and that reaction was also fully merited.

You could argue that Oviedo’s kick at Maddison was borne of frustration after he was caught by an elbow which went unpunished, although that in no way excuses the Costa Rica international’s reaction and he will now receive a three-match ban.

That is a headache that Ross could well do without, especially with Denver Hume also sidelined for six weeks through injury. Sunderland remain fourth despite winning only one of their last six league games, but if they reproduce this type of performance at Bradford City on Saturday – and avoid any red cards – they will keep the heat on those at the top of the table.

They showed on Tuesday night that, even without the likes of the injured Glenn Loovens, Lynden Gooch, and Charlie Wyke, and the suspended Lee Cattermole, they are a match for any team in this league.

And when it was 11 v 11, they were more than a match for Peterborough.