Walsall's win came courtesy of midfielder Liam Kinsella, who continued his fine spell of form by notching the game's only goal with a fine long-distance effort which left Black Cats stopper Jon McLaughlin helpless and further cemented his place in the Saddlers' starting line-up,
Speaking to the assembled media on the sidelines at the Stadium of Light, Dean said; "We’re delighted. It’s something we deserved, definitely. Without the ball, we were organised and disciplined. We broke and there were some phases of play where we kept the ball and dominated possession.
"Over the three games, there’s not been much between both teams. We were disappointed we didn’t go in one or two up after the first half. In the second half we didn’t have too many chances but it was very much a football match, both teams trying to play.
"It was a great goal from Kins – he’s been outstanding since he came in. He’s taken his opportunity and that capped it all off - a great 25-yard strike. We got what we deserved and that’s a cup win and a game now at Bolton."