Phil Parkinson frustrated by Sunderland's mentality | OneFootball

Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson expressed frustration at his side’s inability to defend their lead in Saturday’s 1-1 Emirates FA Cup draw against Gillingham.

Aiden McGeady gave the Black Cats a 1-0 lead in the first half at the Stadium of Light, but Gillingham levelled after the break through Olly Lee.

It was a particularly disappointing goal to concede. Lee’s free-kick was struck straight at Sunderland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, but the Scottish stopper somehow dropped the ball and let it drop through his legs and creep over the line.

It was second time in a row Parkinson’ men had let a lead slip. Sunderland went ahead in the midweek Leasing.com Trophy clash with Leicester’s U21 side, only to fall to a 2-1 defeat.

“We were decent first half, switched the ball well and finally got a goal,” Parkinson said.

“We spoke at half time about them coming out with a more aggressive style of play – we lost headers, challenges straight away.

“You can’t legislate for a mistake like that.”

Whatever about the nature of Gillingham’s goal, Parkinson was also disappointed at his men’s reaction to losing the lead.

“I see today you have to respond better than we did today when we concede. They made it more of a scrappy game, more physical and we didn’t respond to that.

“I think it’s being stronger as a group and you don’t get it all your own way.”