Result makes a change admits Keane

Posted on 14th January 2007

Sunderland picked up a 1–0 home win over Ipswich Town as Anthony Stokes enjoyed a good debut. The £2m striker, signed from Arsenal in midweek, took just fifteen minutes to make an impact, racing to the byline and crossing for David Connolly to score. Ipswich fought back and Richard Naylor headed a good chance wide before Sylvain Legwinski and Danny Haynes both forced Darren Ward to make smart saves. Carlos Edwards and Connolly missed late chances to wrap it up for the hosts.

Speaking after the game manager Roy Keane admitted to get a bit of luck and get a good result without playing particularly well. Keane felt his players showed good desire and determination to get the three points.

"It makes a change. Too many times in the last few months I've come out and said that we played well and not got the three points," said Keane. "Today we didn't play particularly well and got a good win. The players showed good desire and determination but we know we can play better. I have to say the conditions were atrocious, and that's not to make excuses. Ipswich probably adapted better to it than us. It was a decent start – I can't remember the last time we scored in the first 10 or 15 minutes. I did tell the players before the game that it was allowed (an early goal). I think in the first 15, 20 minutes we played really well and then after that we couldn't get to grips with the game."

Earlier Sunderland news

Stokes believes Sunderland can get promotion
Decision to join Sunderland was quick for Edwards
Sunderland trying to capture Warnock
Stead future in doubt as signings made
Hysen – I could have had a hat–trick
Patience the key says Keane
We can't be come back kings every week
Yorke gets glowing reference from manager
Ward urges Cats to keep focus
Connolly credits away fans with point
Varga sets his sights high
Keane only has a small one
Keane blames agents for rumour mill
Momentum is behind us now says Connolly
Sunderland sweat on Whitehead