Sunderland Football Club

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

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Solid defence pleases Keane

23 Mar 2008 - 14:32:25

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Sunderland manager Roy Keane praised his defenders as the Black Cats secured a crucial 1-0 victory at Aston Villa that eased their relegation concerns.

Michael Chopra's late goal proved to be enough for the Wearsiders to clinch their first away win of the campaign, but it was the solidity of his side's defending that most pleased Keane.

"I thought it was a good performance. We created one or two chances and we hung in there," he said.

"We got through a sticky patch in the second half and took the opportunity when it came our way.

"A lot of times this season we've been on the losing end of 1-0 scorelines and it was nice to turn it around. I think we just about deserved it.

"We knew we'd have to be solid and we were. We managed to get over the finishing line.

"I thought the back-four was outstanding. The two centre-backs were immense against some good strikers. It's a big three points but the only time to gauge it is at the end of the season."