Sunderland Football Club

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

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Bruce laments slow Cats start

07 Dec 2009 - 07:12:37

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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was left to rue his side's slow start in their 1-0 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Black Cats conceded the only goal of the game just seven minutes in, with Bobby Zamora heading home and were unable to get back on level terms despite an improved second-half display.

Bruce told Sky Sports: "We all know that the first goal, especially in the Premier League, is massive.

"It was a disappointing way to lose for me because the goal is a soft one, we haven't done enough and we should be defending better than that.

"The first half we just didn't get started, that's obviously not good enough. It's something we have to analyse and do something about and try and arrest this slump away from home, because it's in danger of ruining our season.

"Second half we have had a right good go at it. We had the best chances in the game but obviously didn't take them. We lacked that bit of quality.

"We have looked for a response, got it and might have done enough to get something out of the game."