What Phil Parkinson expects from Crewe Alexandra test and the 'core principles' behind Sunderland's strong start

Phil Parkinson is pleased to see his side have built a strong base in the early stages of the League One season.
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The 2-0 win over Swindon Town saw the Black Cats register their fourth clean sheet in five games.

They have not conceded from open play, and have not conceded any league goal since the opening minutes of the season against Bristol Rovers.

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Parkinson says those ‘core principles’ are giving his side a good chance of success as they prepare to face Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night.

Phil Parkinson is hoping Sunderland can maintain their strong form against CrewePhil Parkinson is hoping Sunderland can maintain their strong form against Crewe
Phil Parkinson is hoping Sunderland can maintain their strong form against Crewe

A reshuffled Black Cats defence will again be without Tom Flanagan due to an ankle problem, but Jordan Willis and Denver Hume could return to boost the manager’s options.

Deadline day signing Dion Sanderson is likely to be named on the bench.

“It was a hard-working, disciplined, team performance at Swindon,” Parkinson said.

“That's what we need running right throughout the season.

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“The workrate and the discipline we showed was good, we played some good football - particularly in the first half, but we also had some good passages of play in the second half, too.

“Any win is good, but especially away from home and especially when you keep a clean sheet.

“Any team which is successful in any division needs a strong base from which to win games.

“Even when you are not at your best, if you can keep clean sheets you will pick up points and get wins.

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"We've made sure that the core principles are in place for us to do that.”

Parkinson is expecting a good test against a youthful Crewe Alexandra side who have made a solid start to the season.

“Crewe look a decent side, they won promotion last season and they are a team that has been together for a while,” he said.

“They have some good young players, which you'd expect from a Crewe team because they like to give opportunities to players who come up through the ranks.

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“It will be a good challenge for us but we want to keep our unbeaten start going, keep our performance levels where they were against Swindon at the weekend, and back up that win with another victory.”

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