Sunderland 1 Kidderminster 0: It was a difficult test, admits Gus Poyet

Gus Poyet admitted Sunderland were handed a difficult test after the Black Cats edged past Kidderminster Harriers to reach the FA Cup fifth round.

The home side scored the winner in the fifth minute after Kidderminster defender Josh Gowling’s mistake allowed Charis Mavrias to score his first Sunderland goal at the Stadium of Light.

Credit to Andy [Thorn] and his team, they were organised and fought for everything. They were waiting for that one chance

Gus Poyet

Poyet made 10 changes to his side which beat Manchester United on penalties to reach the Capital One Cup final on Wednesday, and Poyet paid credit to their Conference opponents.

“It was difficult for the players, a few had to play out of position but they got 90 minutes to show they could play for me in the league,” Poyet told BBC Sport.

“At this stage, it’s about doing the job. We started well but after that we relaxed a little and it was hard.

“Credit to Andy [Thorn] and his team, they were organised and fought for everything. They were waiting for that one chance.”

Meanwhile, Kidderminster manager Andy Thorn heaped praise on his players after a valiant performance against Premier League opposition.

“I’m immensely proud of my players. I thought they were magnificent. We looked like a league club. If that’s not a springboard for our season, then I’ll be very disappointed,” said Andy Thorn.

“We knew it would be really tough playing a Premier League side and, when we conceded so early, you know you’re in danger of ending up with a cricket score.

“But, for us to be disappointed with not coming away with a draw and getting another crack at them speaks volumes for the performance.”