Hard work to thank for clean sheets

SUNDERLAND’S clean sheets are down to a work ethic which runs right through the side, according to manager Phil Parkinson.

The Black Cats have shut out Oxford, Peterborough and Charlton in the league so far this term, and are yet to concede from open play in League One.

Luke Leahy’s penalty for Bristol Rovers in the opener remains the last time Lee Burge was beaten – stretching back 356 minutes.

But while Parkinson has been pleased with his defence, he insists it’s all about the team, and revealed the mindset he wants his players to adopt, particularly at the Stadium of Light.

“The lads are working hard on the training pitch, and it’s a collective, it’s not just the back three of back five, it’s everybody who’s got to work to earn clean sheets, or to give that feeling that we’re hard to play against,” the Sunderland boss said.

“I think that’s key and we stress that to the lads a lot. Particularly when teams come to the Stadium of Light, we want it to be difficult for them in the manner we go about the job on the day in terms of closing down quickly when out of possession and making sure we’re effective in our play and we’re penetrating the opposition defence.

“But also we show that desire to put our bodies on the line, to block shots, stop crosses, all those basic requirements to be successful as a football team.

“We’re pleased we’re showing that – we can be better – but at the moment that’s been good.”

Sunderland take on Swindon Town on Saturday, looking to build on their unbeaten record.

Meanwhile, the game with Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday, November 20, will now kick off at the earlier time of 7pm.