Burnden Aces

Freedman Praises Bolton Determination

• January 05, 2013 | By Chris Mann
• Short URL: http://b-ac.es/4601b

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• Dougie Freedman, FA Cup, Sunderland
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• See Also

• Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Sunderland

Dougie Freedman praised the attitude of his players, after Bolton were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland in the FA Cup.

Goals in each half from Lee Chung-Yong and Marvin Sordell had given Wanderers a two-goal advantage, only for second half strikes from Connor Wickham and Craig Gardner to send the tie to a replay.

Speaking after the game, Freedman admitted he was disappointed to have lost a two-goal lead but praised the attitude of his players, who defended resiliently to deny the Black Cats the victory.

"We're obviously disappointed not to have won the game having been two goals up," Freedman told the club's official website.

"I thought we were in control for the majority of the first half and played some lovely football, but, credit to Sunderland, they came back at us in the second half.

"Their delivery from set-pieces caused us one or two problems, but any side in the world will have problems when the ball is delivered with such quality.

"When we were under pressure, we showed a different side to our game. We showed that we were willing to put our bodies on the line and defend as a team.

"We had great energy and desire and, all in all, it was a thrilling cup tie and great entertainment for the fans.

"It was a good opportunity to see the likes of Joe Riley and Marvin Sordell and I thought that the two of them did really well.

"We have got a squad of players who want to play matches. I feel that the team right now is starting to gel and we will continue to improve as a collective unit. We want to play in a certain style and keep the ball.

"It is nice to be in the hat for the next round."

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