Match Day: Mick McCarthy on Sunderland AFC V Preston NE

Last updated : 20 September 2004 By John Jenkin
Mick McCarthy
Demolition Men!

"It has been a good week for us. Nine points from the last three games is very pleasing and the performance today was good.

There were a couple of bizarre decisions. We were 1-0 up and cruising when they got a penalty and it knocked us off kilter. We were a bit upset and angry after it.

Then we got a penalty and they probably felt the same way because it was a bit harsh. It was a great finish from Darren Carter and when we got the third it was never in danger. It was a solid performance.

Elliott is a good player. We knew he could score because he's scored at every level he's played.

He was not tried at this level but I was confident he would score and he has. He's proving to be a very good acquisition.

Darren [Carter] got better as the game went on. He's been playing in the reserves and it's never the same. He got up to speed and the goal will have helped him.

It's important that we got these [three] results. We have a young team and when you are winning there is plenty of pace and legs in the team.

If you're not winning it can have more of a negative effect on young players. They don't have the experience to cope as well.

But we're doing well, scoring goals and the young players look a potent force."