'It's not over' - Sunderland boss confident of turning playoff semi final around after first leg defeat
Sunderland Head Coach Lee Johnson insists that his side's promotion dreams are not over, as they prepare to face Lincoln for a second time, in front of a home crowd.
Johnson's squad were significantly damaged by a 2-0 defeat away at Lincoln City in the first leg of their League One playoff semi-final.
The Black Cats played in blue at Sincil Bank against the red of Lincoln, who had 3,000 of their fans in attendance for the first time this season.
This time, the boot is on the other foot - as Sunderland prepare to welcome 10,000 Black Cats Fans back to the Stadium of Light for the first time in 14 months.
And Sunderland's Head Coach hopes his team can provide a happy ending.
By the final whistle, the Sunderland faithful would have been left feeling a similar colour to their team.
After an exciting but goalless first half, the away side were denied by the woodwork twice in a minute just after the interval.
However, after goal from Tom Hopper, Brennan Johnson charged down a rushed clearance from goalkeeper Lee Burge to leave Lee Johnson's men with much work to do in the second leg on Saturday.
ITV News Tyne Tees Sports Correspondent Simon O'Rourke caught up with the Sunderland Head Coach after the match:
He said: "We created numerous chances, controlled the game and conceded a very sloppy goal.
Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter admitted that they need to play much better on Saturday to get back into the tie:
The Black Cats will at least have 10,000 fans at the Stadium of Light, Lee Johnson and his team will be hoping they can roar Sunderland on to Wembley.