JACK ROSS felt Sunderland’s players showed once again they have the strength for a promotion charge after emerging with three points in freezing conditions at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats had to deal with icy-cold temperatures and cold wind blasts in driving rain but still emerged with a 2-1 win over struggling Bristol Rovers, who battled until the end.

Sunderland overturned Alex Rodman’s tenth minute opener by securing three points courtesy of goals from Adam Matthews (45) and Josh Maja (49).

It was a result that has closed the gap to leaders Portsmouth to five points ahead of the meeting of the two at Fratton Park next weekend. Sunderland have two games in hand.

“We knew what kind of day it would be, difficult conditions, but the result superseded everything,” said Ross. “We deserved the result, we had to show the character by coming from behind again. It was a day when the result was ultimate importance.

“It was a peculiar start, disappointing result through the week against Walsall, so we freshened the team up and wanted to put it right.

“I was reasonably pleased with the start, frustrating to concede. I am pleased the lads got the break before half-time. It was a good reward for them and it changed the mood slightly.

“Josh had looked sharp, I thought he might score on a couple of occasions.

“Although this was not a perfect performance, there were still good things and it is a day at this time of the year when we have to grind out the results.

“We have faced different challenges, we have had to come from behind again, and we have had to use our squad because of injuries in the build up, the warm up and during the game. We have asked players to take responsibility and they have.”

Rovers are looking for a new manager after losing for the fifth game in a row.

Caretaker boss Graham Coughlan, who has been invited to apply following Darrell Clarke’s departure on Thursday, revealed how hard it was to prepare the team after a the long road to the North-East.

He said: “I am here to talk about the game, talk about the last 24 hours, which have been emotional, and what goes on now will be down the powers that be. I will go home and after that what will be will be.

“To come to Sunderland and getting beat is not going to do determine where we finish at the end of the season. The games coming up are the ones that will dictate where we will end up at the end of the season.”

“The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind, if it wasn’t for the football I wouldn’t even know it was a Saturday. I just have to see if I will be here next Saturday.”