Sbragia - Styles off the hook

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia had to remain tight-lipped even though his side ran out 2-0 winners against Stoke on Saturday. The Black Cats made it two successive home wins after Kenwyne Jones and substitute David Healy's late goals did the damage at the Stadium of Light.But Sunderland could, and most likely should, have been a goal ahead until Stoke defender Danny Pugh's goalkeeper impression went unpunished as his handball stopped Steed Malbranque from giving the hosts the lead.Referee Rob Styles waved away penalty claims from the Sunerland players to the fury of the home supporters.Asked if he had spoken to the referee about the incident, Sbragia said: "No, I didn't bother."He didn't give it. I am disappointed, but I don't want to get into trouble for saying what I think.Blunder"We just had to get on with it and focus on the game. He didn't give it, but he is off the hook."If it had ended 0-0, we might have complained a little bit more about it."Victory took Sunderland's tally from their last three games to seven points and eased them well clear of the drop zone ahead of difficult trips to Arsenal and Liverpool.Sbragia said: "We are getting a little bit more difficult to beat. It's important to beat the teams around us."I know we have got two really difficult away games now, but in general, if we had got six points, I would have been happy, but seven points. and we have got an unbeaten record as well."

Source: SKY_Sports