James Clark: “We executed the plan really, really well” – Team Sunderland 1st 3-0 York St John 2nd

Team Sunderland 1st manager, James Clark, believes his side “executed the plan really, really well” following their 3-0 away win at York St John.

Goals from Omar Karam, George Pinder and Charis Saitikis wrapped the game up before half-time, and a man-of-the-match performance from Lewis Charlton put Team Sunderland in their stride after game one of the season.

Clark said: “Absolutely delighted. It’s a great start to the season.

“I thought particularly in the first half, we executed the plan really, really well.

The game started brightly and the first goal was scored within five minutes by Karam.

“Listen, we have a good plan.

“We know exactly how we want to play and how we want to press teams and do the right things.

“And so, it paid dividends within five minutes. It’s a good start but you have to build on starts and I thought we did really, really well with that.”

When pressed on whether the intensity had dropped going into the second half – no goals were scored after half-time and Sunderland allowed York St John more of a say in games – Clark added: “We managed the game to a point.

“You know, obviously you’re 3-0 up and people think they can take their foot of the gas a bit.

“But for me, that’s where you’ve really got to hit it home and continue with that and put them to bed.

“You never know in the end of the season if it goes to goal difference, so a little bit unhappy with that but overall, delighted with the three points.”

Clark continued: “You’ve got to remember this is a new group.

“Yes, there’s some players that know and understand what the requirements are.

“For the players coming in, it’s about gelling so that’s going to take a little bit of time.

“But I think, with the right attitude and the right application, we’ll get there by the end of the season.

And finally, when questioned if this was a “work in progress” off the back of the opening win, Clark said: “Yeah, but you come and beat a group of players who are paying to be here. training five days a week.

“You know, looking to push on to the next level.

“But to come and beat them away from home 3-0, I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s a ‘work in progress’ but there’s things to work on for sure.”

Team Sunderland are at home to Teesside Men’s 2nds at Ford Hub on Wednesday 20th October in the BUCS League, for a 3pm kick-off.