The result was a disappointment but head coach Rob Edwards highlighted the opening period of the second half as the sort of display he now wants his players to replicate over entire games.

The Hornets led Sunderland twice but were pegged back late in the game. However, Edwards shine on a light on the positives.

“I’m frustrated with the result but I would say that I saw a lot of positive signs today,” he said.

“For a 20-minute spell after half time I saw a team that I want to see more of.

“What I need is to see that sort of performance for 90 minutes or more, and we have to latch onto what we did then and turn it into full performances.”

The Hornets were well in control at 2-1 but a combination of Sunderland pushing and three substitutions seemed to change the pattern of the game. Did Edwards feel that?

“I don’t think so, no. At that period in time Hassane (Kamara) was starting to tighten up and I need him long term so we had to look at that – and I think in that role Ken Sema is fine.

“Craig (Cathcart) was cramping up and obviously Kaba (Christian Kabasele) is a more than capable replacement.

“Keinan (Davis) hasn’t played anywhere like 90 minutes for some time and was beginning to get tired. He is so valuable and you can see what he brings to the team, but again I need him fir and available for the rest of the season.

“We can’t go breaking people now and not having them for six weeks or more.”