SUNDERLAND boss Jack Ross was delighted with his team’s character after watching his players extend their unbeaten run courtesy of a point against Oxford United.

Despite watching midfielder Max Power get sent off for a 19th minute lunge on Marcus Browne when the Black Cats already trailed to Ricky Holmes’ curling free-kick, Ross’ players showed the right response.

Even though they might have been further behind at the break and there were numerous strange decisions from referee Mark Heywood, Sunderland managed to improve after the restart to make it six matches unbeaten in League One.

Sunderland, supported by a crowd of more than 32,000, saw the introduction of £1m buy Charlie Wyke lead to the equaliser just six minutes into the second half.

The former Bradford City man struck a sweet finish on his debut having had to bide his time since arriving with a knee injury.

Ross said: “There were loads of different things we didn’t dwell on from the first half at half-time, that was the time to figure out how to get back in the game.

“I will look at myself as well in terms of how we set up, we allowed ourselves to go on the back foot.

"We conceded to a very good set piece but the sending off galvanised us a bit, gave us a spark and then the opening 25 minutes of the second half I thought we were good.

“It was testament to the desire and character to get something. It’s indicative of the character we have shown all season, different personnel and different contributions, and I think the supporters recognise that as well.

“We will not be satisfied with losing points here against anyone, we want to win every game.

"The players are disappointed with that, but the response they got from the supporters during the period with ten men was fantastic.

“Charlie played a lot longer than planned or should have. We had a couple of decisions to make at half-time and Charlie was one of those.

"It’s an ideal start for Charlie and credit to the backroom staff for getting him back and through it.”

Sunderland have fallen out of the top two, so sit two points behind Portsmouth and Peterborough, but Ross does not see any reason to be overly critical of failing to win at home.