Bruce aggrieved at ´cruel´ defeat

Steve Bruce was left deflated by a ‘desperately harsh’ defeat after Sunderland twice gave away the lead to lose 3-2 at Stoke City.

Visitors Sunderland went ahead through Kieran Richardson in their English Premier League encounter at the Britannia Stadium, before John Carew equalised for Stoke.

Asamoah Gyan restored Sunderland’s lead, but this time Robert Huth levelled with seven minutes left.

Centre-back Huth then snatched a late winner for the home side three minutes into extra-time.

“Sometimes it’s cruel when you’ve dominated the game but if you don’t defend properly … we knew what to expect and haven’t dealt with it at all,” Bruce said.

“To score two away from home and not come away with anything is desperately harsh.”

There was a case for offside and fouls to be given in the build-up to the Stoke goals, but Bruce refused to search for excuses.

“There is a debate and you need the referee to be strong, but for all afternoon that didn’t happen.”

“But I’m not going to try and complain, we should be dealing with the ball into the box better than we did.”

“It’s very difficult to replicate it on the training ground. You need the bravery to go and head the ball. You need your goalkeeper to come and catch them.”

Stoke boss Tony Pulis was delighted to see his side fight back to win what was their first match at home since January 15.

“It’s massive, we’ve played four consecutive away games and the spirit of the players is absolutely fantastic,” Pulis said.

“We gave two silly goals away in the first couple of minutes of each half but we’re very, very pleased with the points.”

Pulis felt that luck evened itself up after a contentious moment in the first fixture between the two teams at the Stadium of Light in November went unnoticed in Sunderland’s favour.

“We played at Sunderland and (Lee) Cattermole flicked it up with one hand and away with the other on the post so whatever we have got today, thank goodness.”