Josh Scowen's frustrated shout and the one who got away: Behind the scenes at Sunderland 1-2 MK Dons

We take a look at some of the moments you might have missed from the League One reverse – from a frustrated shout to one who may have got away…

THE MOMENT THAT DREW APPLAUSE FROM ALL QUARTERS

In a game in which Sunderland’s forward struggled when it came to putting the ball in the back of the net, it was a defender who produced the finish of the afternoon.

Sadly for the Black Cats, who spent large spells of the game chasing an elusive second goal, the strike in question came in the pre-match warm-up.

As the players entered their final stages of preparation, Wolves loanee Dion Sanderson joined the attacking players for shooting practice.

And he didn’t look out of place at all, sending a crisp volley into the top corner in a moment that drew applause from players and coaching staff alike.

Sadly, similar finishes didn’t follow during a frustrating 90 minutes.

THE FAMILIAR VOICE ON THE MICROPHONE

With Sunderland’s usual match day announcer not in attendance, a deputy was needed.

Step-in Danny Collins.

As well as providing punditry for the club’s official streaming service, the former Wales international was also on hand to announce the substitutes and key moments at the Stadium of Light.

A man of many talents, it seems.

THE FRUSTRATED SHOUT

As the game entered its final 15 minutes, MK Dons’ Louis Thompson pulled up clutching his hamstring.

Play continued – as it should in those circumstances – with Sunderland knocking the ball about as they sought a leveller.

That was until Luke O’Nien knocked the ball out of play to allow Thompson to be treated.

His sportsmanlike gesture was appreciated by the visiting bench who were able to enter the field of play to administer treatment (Thompson, it transpried, couldn’t continue) but frustrated teammate Josh Scowen - who wasn’t shy in voicing his opinions to O’Nien.

The moment came at a time where the Black Cats were on the front foot and were putting pressure on a tiring Dons backline.

That break in play gave the visitors a chance to regroup and bring on a reinforcement, while depriving Sunderland of an opportunity to attack against a side who would have been a man light.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

Crucial to everything MK Dons did at the Stadium of Light was Scott Fraser – a summer signing who joined the Dons after leaving Burton Albion.

But prior to his move to stadium:mk, he was a target of Phil Parkinson and Sunderland.

The club’s interest in Fraser was put on the back burner after the introduction of the salary cap, and you couldn’t help wondering what we would have added to the Black Cats’ side.

He was dynamic, willing to carry the ball and was able to split the home defence with some fine balls.

It was the kind of creativity Sunderland were crying out for at times during this game.

And while the foul for the penalty was a clumsy one, credit needs to go to Fraser for getting himself in the position to be brought down in the first place.

He’s clearly a talented player, and one you feel could have added something to this Sunderland side.

THE UNHEEDED WARNING

For all MK Dons didn’t force Remi Matthews into too many saves, they did offer a real attacking threat – particularly in the opening period.

And there was one moment, within the first ten minutes, that showed exactly the threat the Dons could offer.

As Middlesbrough loanee Stephen Walker cut inside and jinked his way into the box, it took a commanding last-ditch tackle from Denver Hume to stop the forward shooting.

Then from the resulting corner, Cameron Jerome swept a shot narrowly wide.

It was a warning to Sunderland, and one they didn’t heed.

Jerome was allowed to connect with a free-kick not even ten minutes later to head his side level – while Sunderland struggled to deal with the pace and directness of Walker, Gladwin and Fraser throughout the game.

THE YOUNGSTERS IN THE STAND

After the midweek display at Fleetwood Town, there were calls for several youngsters to be handed an opportunity.

Only one was in the squad, however: Jack Diamond.

Elliot Embleton was a player who may well have been involved, but Parkinson took a precautionary stance on the attacking midfielder and gave him time to rest after he completed his first 90 minutes in 14 months during the week.

Dan Neil was another of those who supporters were keen to see involved, but he was forced to settle for a seat in stands for this clash - where he was joined by defender Brandon Taylor.

THE FULL-TIME SCENES

In an empty stadium, the roars were completely audible.

Russell Martin embraced his coaching staff, players streamed onto the pitch, and MK Dons weren’t shy in expressing their delight at the 2-1 victory.

These celebrations were partly due to ending a winless run on the road that stretched back to August of last year, but make no mistake – winning at Sunderland will have made it that much sweeter.

The Black Cats may find themselves in League One for a third season, but they still remain a scalp.

That won’t change anytime soon, and questions can be asked as to whether Sunderland know how to out-battle those sides for whom the trip to Wearside is viewed as a ‘cup final.’

It’s something they need to address quickly.

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