Charlie Wyke has scored just two League One goals since he moved to Sunderland from Bradford City in August.
Sunderland beat Bristol Rovers 2-0 on Saturday but it could have been more if it wasn’t for some wasteful finishing from Charlie Wyke, Pirates boss Graham Coughlan admitted to Bristol Live.
The Black Cats had seen their hopes of automatic promotion dwindle in recent weeks after a frustrating series of draws, so they were understandably thrilled to get three points on the board at the Memorial Stadium.
Luke O’Nien and Aiden McGeady were on the scoresheet, moving Sunderland up to third and just two points behind Barnsley with a game in hand.
The 2-0 result was impressive but Jack Ross’s side could have been celebrating an even more eye-catching scoreline if Wyke, who replaced Will Grigg with 15 minutes to go, had not spurned two glorious opportunities – a fact Coughlan alluded to after the game.
“Later on in the game we were chasing it, so they had some more chances,” Coughlan said.
“Big Charlie Wyke had some good chances and should have punished us more.
“But that is us opening up, that is us chasing the game and attacking that was going to happen.”
Former Hartlepool United target man Wyke has endured a difficult time at Sunderland since he returned to the North East in the summer for £1 million, scoring just twice in 15 games for his new club (Northern Echo).
He did miss 13 consecutive games through injury in the autumn, however, meaning that Sunderland fans are yet to see the best of him.
Have something to tell us about this article?
