Rochdale boss reacts to Sunderland draw and why it was 'the least his side deserved'

Barry-Murphy’s side twice battled back from a goal down in the second half to take a well-earned 2-2 scoreline into the interval.

Sunderland took control of the contest in the second half and applied significant pressure, but were unable to find a winner.

“I thought we were exceptional in the first half,” Barry-Murphy said.

“I thought it was rip-roaring game which is hard when there are no supporters. I thought we were brilliant in the first half and could have scored more goals.

“To come back from both goals, when we hadn't seen them coming with the way we were playing, was testament to the character of the lads.

“I thought we were creative and courageous in the first half, committing bodies forward.

“After what we put into the first half, it was always going to be a tough second half for us but we were resolute and put everything one the line.

“I thought the point was the least we deserved.

“We've spoken about our commitment to attacking and attacking with numbers, and everytime we went forward the box was flooded with our players,” he added.

“That gives the lads belief in what we're doing and it takes a lot of courage to play that way against a team like Sunderland.

“With the shape of the first half, we were very disappointed to be going in at 2-2.

“In the second half, they were entitled to come on to us, to put pressure on us and bring on those big reinforcements from the bench.

“We looked very tired towards the end but I take that as a positive because the lads are putting everything into every day.”

The draw leaves six points adrift of the automatic promotion places, though they have played a game less than five of the six teams above them in the table.

Early pacesetters Lincoln City continued their fine recent form with a 1-0 win against Crewe Alexandra, while Hull City came from a goal behind against Bristol Rovers to seal a 3-1 win and move into second.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor