Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton delivers verdict on Sunderland draw

The Black Cats controlled the first half at Highbury without creating any major chances, forcing Barton to make a half-time substitution.

The introduction of Ched Evans helped turned the tide of the contest but Sunderland took the lead when Charlie Wyke pounced on a defensive error.

Fleetwood equalised through Callum Connolly and had the better of the closing stages in what was a tight contest.

Barton said he feared for his side when they went behind, but praised their character in fighting back to earn a point.

“I think on reflection that is probably the right result, in the first half Sunderland were the aggressor and they were pushing us back into our half and they dictated the game and owned their territory to us," he said.

“I had to challenge the lads at half-time because we have been on a good run of late and we knew we had to get a foothold in the game.

“Second half we were brilliant, we set the tone and we had them pinned back but against the run of play a punt over the top has bounced in between our defence and there has been a bit of a mix-up but credit to their lad, he has nicked in behind and finished it away.

"At that point you think, they're usually defensively resilient, that's what Phil has built it on, you think it's going to be difficult to get back in but credit to our lads. They picked themselves up.

"In the end, I thought we were the side trying to win the game.

“In the end, I thought we were the side who tried to win the game, we were unlucky, you speak of little old Fleetwood challenging the likes of Sunderland and being disappointed that we haven’t taken away maximum points.

"I think that come what may, they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season and if you don’t beat your rivals, it’s important that you don’t lose.”

Sunderland remain one place behind Fleetwood in the table, level on points and having played a game less.

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