Jack Ross reveals delight after Sunderland’s comeback triumph over Rochdale

Sunderland manager Jack Ross has spoken about the character and desire of the Black Cats squad after they came from behind to register a 2-1 win over Rochdale on the road. An Ian Henderson goal handed an early advantage for struggling Rochdale but the Black Cats managed to make a terrific second half comeback with Charlie Wyke and substitute George Honeyman finding the scoresheet.

Speaking after the game, the Black Cats boss was impressed with the team’s ability from losing situations on a number of occasions this term, he said: “I’ve commented on it before even when it hasn’t resulted in a win, because there have been different challenges for us at times, but today was another one – to come from a goal behind on the back of the week we have had, and to keep pushing and pushing and pushing, takes guts and hunger to go and do it.

“It is a happy dressing room at the moment and they trust in what they do. Today, as much as character and desire, it was pleasing for me as a manager that they kept faith with what we were doing in the second half, they didn’t panic, and they kept plugging away until they eventually got their rewards.”

Sunderland have succumbed to just two points over the course of the campaign but they have played out 16 draws which have restricted them from dominating the proceedings. Nonetheless, they are comfortably placed with 79 points on the board and they have the opportunity to leapfrog to the second automatic promotion spot with two games in hand when compared to Barnsley, who are only goal difference ahead of them.

The Black Cats are currently on a run of three successive league wins, and they are scheduled to entertain Burton Albion during the midweek game. Ross’ team should be favourites to triumph with Burton possessing only the 16th-best record on the road this term. The reverse meeting witnessed a shock 2-1 defeat and Sunderland will be keen to avenge the loss.