Jack Ross hails Sunderland's performance after closing the gap on top two

The Black Cats climbed to within a point of second place Peterborough and four of leaders Portsmouth after emerging from an incident-filled encounter at Bradford City with three points.

After Josh Maja had chested in Lee Cattermole’s effort in the 21st minute to give the Black Cats the lead, the Bantams were struggling to create the opportunities to level.

But Sunderland’s defensive weaknesses were highlighted again when they didn’t deal with a throw in and Bantams captain Anthony O’Connor volleyed in the equaliser six minutes after the break.

Sunderland’s response was fine. Jack Baldwin, impressive again at the back, put Sunderland back ahead less than two minutes later.

But Max Power, the stand-in skipper, was red carded for the second time this season with 24 minutes remaining for kicking out at Ryan McGowan as he lay on the floor after an off the ball collision.

Sunderland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin saved the day, though, by diving to his right to prevent Jack Payne’s penalty from levelling matters – and after that Sunderland battled away to stay ahead.

And when Sean Scannell was red carded deep into stoppage-time for the hosts after he shoved George Honeyman to the floor as they went in search of a dramatic leveller, Ross’ side were able to complete the job.

Ross said: "You don't think of that too much until you see it post match but our start to the season has been good and encouraging, to only lose one game is good in a tough league.

"To draw some of these draws into wins, it makes that start look a bit better. It is good it has been encouraging and positive from the players.

"We keep getting better. Defensively as a whole team, dealing with the physical side of the game we are improving. We are understanding that more and more.

"Naturally pleased to win again, we have had an OK spell in not losing games but you want to turn draws in to wins. that was pleasing.

“There were various aspects that were pleasing, bits of the game were good. We had to show that resilience in that last 20 minutes, it was not easy. Players have had to dig deep again and that they did that.”

The win was achieved even though Power was sent off for his rush of blood. It was his second red card since joining the club and he will now miss the next five league games.

Ross said: "I didn't see it at the time. But we understood from the fourth official that it was a kick out. I have watched it and it is a kick out.

"There is no contact and quite a bit of contact between their player. But in fairness to them, they don't react in any way other than to draw the referee's attention to it.

"They don't to pretend to have been caught by it. The ref was looking staright at it too. There was zero contact but it was a kick out. When you do that, then you give the referee a decision to make."

It was also the second red card inside a week because Bryan Oviedo was dismissed for a similar kick out against Peterborough last Tuesday.

Ross said: "The discipline side of it is interesting one for me, if I had any concerns about the discipline of my players on a daily basis and how they conduct themselves, what they do, but I never have any concerns from them.

"It is that fine balance on the pitch being absolutely determined to take this club forward as Max is and remaining in control of your emotions too.

"It is a fine balance. Every player that is a proper player will walk that line all the time. He has to make sure he stays the right side of it.

"He knows that, I know that. It is something we need to continue to work on as we want him available for games this season.

"The two [red cards] this week are difficult for me to defend them as a manager. I won't come out and be massively critical of my players publicly, it is something you have to improve upon as they are avoidable.

"These two this week have been avoidable red cards and it is experienced players involved in them too."