TONY Mowbray said Sunderland's play-off first leg against Luton Town played out exactly as he expected - and believes his side deserved the win.

The Black Cats came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Amad Diallo and Trai Hume after Elijah Adebayo's opener for the Hatters.

It was yet another show of resilience from Sunderland, with Mowbray forced to name a makeshift back three of Hume, Luke O'Nien and Lynden Gooch - but the Black Cats found a way, as they have so often this season.

Mowbray said: "Did it not pan out like we thought it might pan out?

"We lost a goal early on from a set play which we knew we were vulnerable from, but I thought we'd started really brightly.

"We talked about trying to get the crowd engaged. They were here to try and see their team win a game and give themselves a chance of a Wembley appearance.

"As you've seen many times, this team don't give in and keep going and get stronger and get stronger. I think we warranted the win."

READ MORE:

Amad's equaliser was a stunning strike before Sunderland got a reward for their work on the training ground with the winner, Hume heading home after a well worked short corner.

Mowbray said: "It's ironic almost that we scored from two set-plays, Amad's was an amazing strike.

"Our winner, we worked on playing short corners, don't put it into the box to their 6ft 5 centre-halves who are going to head it out. Let's play around the box and play it flat and it's great when a plan comes together.

"I thought we competed really well. The fans really rose to that, they could see the team tackling and like snarling dogs. Ekwah showed what a class act he is, Patrick Roberts is unplayable, he's a joy to watch. Obviously Amad brings what he brings.

"It was a warranted victory. Nothing achieved. We have to now go and try to win the next game."