A very much weakened Sunderland side made heavy work of seeing off Conference side Kidderminster Harriers as they just limped over the line at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Harriers conceded what proved to be the winning goal just five minutes into this fourth round tie when Josh Gowling’s error allowed Charis Mavrias to fire his first goal in Sunderland colours.
Harriers’ top scorer Michael Gash had a great chance to equalise, only to fire an effort straight down the throat of debut keeper Oscar Ustari.
Then Harriers’ debutant Freddie Ladapo also missed a great chance to level the score.
But Harriers, although they ended up going out of the competition, sent their fans home feeling proud of their side even though they only had one shot on target in the 90 minutes. Their defence however, did a fine job of reducing Sunderland to the bare minimum of chances.
Gus Poyet told reporters after the game: ‘It was not a classic. I was worried about the start, and the best part was the first 20 minutes.
‘Then it was difficult. The connection, the ability, the understanding wasn’t there, so we need to accept it as it comes.
‘Wednesday, that is the key now, that’s the most important thing, three points on Wednesday somehow. I would like to say playing well, but somehow.”
Poyets’ opposite number Andy Thorn was proud of his side about the way they approached their task, although he had to admit some were disappointed not to have got at least a draw from the game.
He said: ‘We knew it would be really tough coming here, but to be disappointed we are not coming away with a draw, it just speaks volumes for the performance the players put in.’
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What else can he be? He picked a side that scored a lucky goal and then just about managed to hang on, he shouldn’t be glad, he should be relieved