Dean Keates hails ‘outstanding’ Liam Kinsella after Walsall beat Sunderland - 7M sport

Dean Keates hails ‘outstanding’ Liam Kinsella after Walsall beat Sunderland



Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2018 by PA

Dean Keates hails ‘outstanding’ Liam Kinsella after Walsall beat Sunderland

Walsall boss Dean Keates hailed match-winner Liam Kinsella after his goal earned a 1-0 win at Sunderland and a place in the third round of the FA Cup.

Midfielder Kinsella struck a fine goal from 25 yards in the 53rd minute to send the Saddlers through at the expense of their fellow League One side and set up a trip to Championship Bolton.

It was only Kinsella’s second career goal and his first, against Burton in 2015, was also scored past Sunderland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

“It was a great strike by Kins – and he’s been outstanding since he came in the side,’’ said Keates. “He’s taken his opportunity and that goal just caps it off – a great 25-yard strike at goal.

“Full credit to the lads they kept going all game. It’s something we deserved and the lads deserve for their endeavours and efforts.

“We come away from home, been organised and disciplined and got our rewards. We got what we deserved – a cup tie at Bolton in the next round. It’s something we can all look forward to.’’

Sunderland suffered only their second home defeat of the season, the other coming against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup in August.

And manager Jack Ross admitted he had no complaints about the result.

The Black Cats created very little in front of goal, and found it tough to break down an organised and obdurate visiting defence.

Ross said: “It’s obviously disappointing to come out of the competition, we are disappointed with the performance as well. We didn’t play well and second half we had, post substitutions, more intensity without an end product.

“It’s one of those nights that I won’t quickly forget as you should always take something from a game.’’

Forward Duncan Watmore, who made his comeback from two cruciate knee ligament injuries in the Checkatrade Trophy last Tuesday, played 78 minutes for the Black Cats.

He was lively and went closest for the hosts when his curling shot was diverted wide in the second half.

Ross said: “Duncan is a major plus for us, far greater intensity than the Checkatrade Trophy and the step up was evident. He was feeling it physically, but another game like that is good for his recovery.

“It hurts us to lose, but there is a plus side to it.

“Duncan played well through the middle. He is more than capable of doing that and at this stage of his recovery, rather than run in a wide area, he was better utilised down the middle.

“In that area of the pitch he gives us something different, offering a threat.’’

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