LEWIS GRABBAN believes Sunderland will get some better luck in the coming weeks, if they can cut out the errors.

Two goals from the former Brentford striker were not enough to cap a fine return to the starting line-up as Sunderland drew 3-3 at Griffin Park.

A double strike in the second half by the West Londoners denied the Black Cats three valuable points, with the equaliser by Neal Maupay a wicked deflection.

Grabban admitted that sloppiness is still causing big issues and costing the Black Cats results.

“The third goal was a deflection, so in terms of the goal it was a bit unlucky. We made too many mistakes in the second half,” he said.

“In terms of the goal it is down to luck, but the performance dipped a bit - I still think the attitude and application was at a high standard, but I think a couple of mistakes led to mounting pressure.”

Grabban also felt the second goal from Brentford, scored by Florian Jozefzoon, should not have been awarded.

“I don't think it was a free-kick to begin with, although it was a good effort afterwards. There's not much you can do about that,” he said. “It should have been a win, we just need to get victories regardless whether they are home or away. We can still build on those three draws.

“Obviously, there were points lost and it was a bit disappointing, especially when it was 3-1 at half time. I was pleased with my strikes, but it was a bit unlucky in the second half.”

With a lay-off of over a month, Grabban was replaced by James Vaughan late on, but the striker felt the decision by Simon Grayson was the correct one.

“I went off because I was coming back from injury and I didn't want to over-rush it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Grayson was quick to praise the efforts of not only Grabban but also Duncan Watmore, who earned a penalty in first-half injury time.

And the Sunderland manager believes his side have enough in the squad to lift them out of the Championship drop zone.

“Grabban ran out of steam as Duncan did in the second half but you've seen the quality that he brings and Callum McManaman was good when he came on,” he said.

“They showed character as well. They worked hard and carried out my instructions and I think we made it difficult for Brentford at times.

“The conditions didn't help for both teams but we are making strides forward. Of course we need to be a little bit quicker but with the players we have coming back we will start winning games very soon.

“Our strength in depth is better and we've got Jonny Williams who should be fit for next weekend.

“I did think of shoring up at 3-1 but then you can get criticised for doing that. We wanted to try and win the game and be positive in our approach because we still felt we would get chances - the game was that open.”