Jordan Willis on the secret behind Sunderland's defensive success plus SAFC Ladies enjoy derby win

The Black Cats have enjoyed a good start to the 2020-21 League One campaign, conceding just once in three league games as Phil Parkinson’s side picked up seven out of nine points against Bristol Rovers, Oxford United and Peterborough United.

Relegated Charlton will pose a tough test but Willis is confident Sunderland have a solid base from which to build.

He said: “I think you saw it last season as well as the start of this one, that we’ve really taken pride in our defensive duties and keeping clean sheets.

“You can see on the pitch that everyone’s putting their bodies on the line, blocking crosses, getting in front of shots, and we really take pride in that.

“The system is working very well so far.

"For me personally, I’m enjoying the defensive side of the game with Bails [Bailey Wright] and Flanno [Tom Flanagan] who have been excellent, and as well being able to have that freedom to join in down the right-hand side with Luke [O’Nien] and Chris Maguire.

"We’re consistently looking to add to our games individually too,” he told the club website.

Meanwhile, Sunderland Ladies came out on top in the Wear-Tees derby at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, Melanie Reay’s side beating Middlesbrough 3-2.

“Every time we play we are learning about our strengths and weaknesses, so we hope to build some form over the next few months.

“It was important to get those first points on the board, it’s been a testing couple of weeks for the girls and us as staff given the pressure to get off the mark, we now need to use this as a platform.

“We’ve always had tight games at Huddersfield, winning 3-2 a couple of years ago and coming from behind to win last year, it’s never been easy.

“I expect it will be another tough test but I think now we are off the mark we can take a lot of confidence into Sunday’s game,” Reay told the club website.

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