Sunderland Football Club

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Paolo Di Canio

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Bruce admits poor encounter

02 Feb 2010 - 07:36:19

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Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admitted his side's goalless draw with Stoke City on Monday night had been a poor spectacle.

In a game of scant chances, it was defences who were on top at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland worked hard but were lacking in ideas when it came to unlocking a Stoke side and got men of their own behind the ball every time the hosts attacked.

The result left the Black Cats in 12th place in the Premier League table and just four points clear of the relegation zone.

"You want three (points) to end the run we've been in but we were nervous and edgy, but at least there was the commitment there," explained Bruce, who also claimed his side were denied a clear penalty when Robert Huth appeared to handle the ball midway through the second half.

"But we lacked that bit of quality. We are getting people back - at least there was resilience that there hasn't been.

"I don't think you have got any viewers left but it might be the springboard we need.

"It was an abysmal game to be honest."