Josh Scowen has this message on Sunderland's goal-shy strikers after Charlton Athletic stalemate

The Black Cats were made to settle for a point at The Valley despite dominating large spells of the game.

And while a share of the spoils was gratefully received after Tom Flanagan’s second half red card, Sunderland were left to wonder what could have been after squandering a handful of gilt-edged chances in the first half.

Some of the better chances came via the boot of Scowen, whose deliveries led to fine first half chances for Bailey Wright and Danny Graham in what quickly became a frustrating afternoon for Phil Parkinson’s side.

But while Sunderland’s forward players have come in for criticism from some quarters, Scowen is still confident they will come good – provided the same level of service is provided.

“It's very frustrating,” said the midfielder.

"But at the end of the day to go down to ten men and take the point - it's very good and something to build on. In the first half we could have had two or three goals and that's what's frustrating us.

“It's disappointing that we haven't come away with the three points, but there's lots of positives to take from it.

"If we keep creating those chances then we've got the strikers who can finish them. They've been a bit unfortunate today, but if we keep creating them then we know they'll get the goals.

“We dominated the game and had some very good chances, which we unfortunately didn't take today,” he continued.

"If we keep creating those chances then the players we've got are more than capable of putting them away.”

Scowen was also full of praise for the defensive unit who, for the third game running, kept a well-earned clean sheet – with Lee Burge a spectator for large spells.

He added: “We played some very good football and created four or five very good opportunities – but again, defensively at the back, I don't remember Burgey having to make a proper save.

“So it's pleasing both attacking-wise - except for the goals - and keeping a clean sheet.”

Scowen was something of a surprise inclusion in the capital given the return to fitness of captain Max Power – but the former QPR man was delighted to see Parkinson entrust him with another start.

“Obviously Max is captain and has done well and was unfortunate with his hamstring.

"That's given me the opportunity but I think that it shows I'd done alright last week and the gaffer has the faith in me to keep me in the team.”

The point at The Valley extends Sunderland’s unbeaten start to the season, and means they have taken eight points from what looked to be a daunting start to the season.

And for Scowen, this promising opening to the campaign bodes well for a potential promotion push.

“It's a great start,” he said.

“Two points a game and if we carry on like that through the season it's going to get us promoted. We're very pleased with our start, and it's something to build on after the international break.”

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