Joey Barton has poked fun at Sunderland following their 1-1 draw with Fleetwood Town.

Barton's side looked set to take the three points after Barrie McKay's early effort gave them the lead, however Max Power's 97th-minute leveller spared the home side's blushes.

The Sunderland fans couldn't hide their elation after getting themselves out of jail - something which the former Newcastle United man said was interesting given the difference in stature between the clubs.

Speaking after the game, Barton said: “I thought we were there.

“Six minutes stoppage time usually means six minutes stoppage time, but not today. We’re disappointed, but we dust ourselves down and go again.

“You have to give Sunderland credit – they kept fighting and pushing. The fanbase drive them on, and they got their rewards.

They’re trying as hard as we are to win a football match, and sometimes it doesn’t go your way, but it’s interesting for me to see Sunderland fans celebrating in the manner they did after drawing at home to Fleetwood Town.”

Can you name every Sunderland player's shirt number this season? 

The verdict

Joey Barton was certainly on form at the Stadium Of Light.

After receiving abuse from the home fans throughout the game, he couldn't resist striking back in his press conference - much to the annoyance of the home fans.

But putting his pantomime villain status aside, Barton can be very pleased with how his side got on.

While almost playing out their gameplan to perfection, Fleetwood also played some excellent football and showed exactly why they're challenging for the play-offs this term.