Black Cats boss picks up first win thanks to subs
Oviedo’s low cross was turned goalwards by Grabban on the hour, but Bywater saved well with his legs.
Sunderland’s attacking changes, with Vaughan and Asoro introduced, contrasted with Burton’s defensive substitutions and the hosts were forced deeper and deeper.
And the pressure finally told on 84 minutes, when Oviedo’s left-footed, right-wing corner was headed on brilliantly by Lee Cattermole, and Vaughan dived in to convert from close-range. Four minutes later, as Burton sought an equaliser, Sunderland sealed victory when Asoro got away on the right and crossed low for Honeyman, who slid in to score at the back post.
And home boss Nigel Clough admitted: “We missed our situations and chances in the first half, missed our chance to go ahead, and it might have been a different game. We were on top for the first 45 minutes and you’ve got to make that count otherwise teams, even those below you in the league, with the quality they have will hurt you in the end – and they did.
“I thought we defended well throughout the game, but it’s just that quality again where they turn the situations that they have into chances and goals and we don’t.
“To turn it around we have to try and play like we did, with spirit and energy.
“We can’t do anything about the quality.
“We can’t do anything about when we get into certain positions and we’re not good enough – that’s the reality of Burton Albion in Europe’s fifth biggest league.”