Clear signs of improvement but Sunderland still a work in progress as Jack Ross awaits reinforcements

With the Sunderland squad still at least six players shy - including two strikers and two defenders - wantaway players still needing to be shipped out and an over reliance on youth, there is clearly much work to be done.

However, three pre-season games in and Ross at least has his first win under his belt, with clear signs of progression in their play.

Sunderland are crying out for a recognised striker to lead the attack but the build-up play was impressive, slick passes with Dylan McGeouch dictating play.

Callum McManaman was excellent against League Two Grimsby Town, the winger will be a key asset in the third tier should Sunderland keep hold of him.

Time and time again he had the beating of his man, whipping in several excellent crosses yet there was nobody there to take advantage.

Chris Maguire led the attack, he is a grafter and produced a deft cross for Lynden Gooch's 31st-minute header to win the game.

But Maguire is not an out and out striker.

Summer signing Alim Ozturk again missing through injury.

Ross will be desperate to get him some more game time before the real action gets underway.

Certainly there is food for thought for Ross up front and in defence but the signs are there that the players are taking his vision on board, the 4-3-3 formation again preferred.

It was a vast improvement on the Darlington and Hartlepool United performances and slowly this Sunderland side are showing signs of improvement.

Make no mistake, though, the cavalry needs to arrive soon if Sunderland are to launch a serious assault on League One next year.

Goalscorers are needed and Ross is hoping for serious movement in the coming days in the club's pursuit of striker targets Charlie Wyke and Mo Eisa.

For now, all he can do is help improve the players currently part of his squad. Or at least those that want to be at the club.

Wantaway trio Lamine Kone, Didier Ndong and Papy Djilobodji again not involved.

Sunderland were backed by almost 500 fans at Blundell Park.

They watched on as Grimsby went close from the halfway line, Honeyman gifting away possession but the cheeky lobbed effort from ex-Sunderland youth Jordan Cook drifted wide of Stryjek's post.

Stryjek was commanding in the Sunderland goal, impressing as he confidently and regularly came for crosses.

Clear cut chances were few and far between, Cook saw a free-kick sail just side for the hosts while Donald Love fired an effort over from the edge of the area.

Sunderland grew into the half and their hard work eventually paid off on the half hour mark, Gooch with his first of pre-season.

The forward nodded home Maguire's cross.

Sunderland ended the half on top, McManaman - who should have had a penalty after being wiped out 38 minutes in - was a constant thorn.

Another Sunderland player to impress was Maguire, playing as a No.9 but often coming deep to get on the ball. His 52nd minute cross headed wide by skipper Honeyman.

It was a big chance for Sunderland. Grimsby had an effort of their own two minutes later, defender Alex Whitmore with the volley at the back post from a tight angle, his effort sailing back across goal.

Sunderland replaced Stryjek for Robbin Ruiter on 66 minutes, with Adam Matthews also on for Denver Hume.

And Ruiter was quickly called into action, the Dutchman reacting superbly to tip a Jake Hessenthaler effort round the post.

Ross brought on Josh Maja and Benjamin Kimpioka on for the final 20 minutes to bring some fresh energy.

And it almost paid off, 18-year-old Kimpioka driving the ball forward before unleashing a low effort inches wide.

Gooch went close with ten minutes to go, the striker pulling his shirt over his head in frustration after sending his effort wide.

Honeyman sent another effort wide with five minutes to go, it mattered not.

Sunderland are up and running.

Sunderland AFC: Stryjek (Ruiter, 66), Flanagan, Taylor, Love, Hume (Matthews, 66), Honeyman, Robson (Mumba, 59), McGeouch (Kimpioka, 74), Gooch, McManaman (Maja, 72), Maguire (Hackett, 85)

Subs Not Used: Molyneux, Storey, Kokolo.

Goals: Gooch (31)

Grimsby Town (starting XI): McKeown, Whitmore, Collins, Famewo, Clifton, Rose, Welsh, Woolford, Fox, Hooper, Cook.

Grimsby Town (After 60 minutes): Russell, Famewo, Whitmore, Davis, Dixon, Hall-Johnson, A Trialist, B Trialist, Hessenthaler, A Rose, Robles.

Referee: Eddie Ilderton

Attendance 1,776 (SAFC 439)