Edwards claiming deflected goal

Posted on 5th February 2007

Sunderland player Carlos Edwards is claiming his first goal for the club. Edwards will not allow a deflection to deprive him of his first goal at the Stadium of the Light. The winger scored Sunderland’s second goal six minutes from time to see off Coventry City 2-0.

His header however a Sky Blues defender which diverted it out of the reach of Coventry goalkeeper Luke Steele, but Edwards is still claiming the goal - his second since moving to Wearside last month and his first in front of the home crowd.

“I am claiming it. The shot was on target, but the defender did get a touch which was probably decisive,” said Edwards. “The goalkeeper might have got a hand on it without the deflection, but I still see it as my goal. It was a relief to get the second goal because at that time we were a bit under the cosh and getting the second relieved some of the pressure.”

Edwards’ Trinidad and Tobago team-mate Dwight Yorke gave Sunderland the lead in the 20th minute and the Black Cats could have won by more had referee Scott Mathieson not rejected two strong penalty appeals from the home side. The second appeal came near the end when Edwards was brought down by Steele after he had knocked the ball beyond the keeper.

“For me it was a penalty. I reached the ball first and there was contact from the goalkeeper,” said Edwards. “The referee is in charge of the game and he said no, but there was contact after I touched the ball. Sometimes things do not go your way and there is no point in having an inquest and wondering why you did not get the decision. We should have had one on this occasion. Hopefully, we will get the chance to take a penalty and the person stepping up will have the confidence to put it into the net. I don’t know who will take it, but I would not mind having a go. I would be confident.”

Earlier Sunderland news

Keane delighted with window business
Keane surprised but give credit to Palace
Simpson wants to be involved at Palace
Caldwell ready for move to Burnley
Darren Ward gets new Sunderland deal
Edwards worries about Sunderland’s defense
Keane continues to keep plans on hold
Keane faces selection problem
Hysen not settling for the play-offs
Sunderland boosted with pair’s return to action
Evans would welcome extended stay
Result makes a change admits Keane
Stokes believes Sunderland can get promotion
Decision to join Sunderland was quick for Edwards
Sunderland trying to capture Warnock