Kenny Jackett praises 'fantastic' Phil Parkinson but says Portsmouth should have scored more past Sunderland

The two promotion contenders met at Fratton Park with the hosts running out comfortable winners, the Black Cats dropping out of the play-off places as the battle for promotion to the Championship intensifies.

Sunderland had gone into the game on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run and four straight clean sheets but they were second best in the second half and Jackett’s side eased to the three points.

As a result Portsmouth moved back into the play-offs and three points off the automatic promotion slots with two games in hand.

The Pompey chief praised the job Parkinson has done in turning round Sunderland’s form in recent weeks after a disastrous start to his reign in charge at the Stadium of Light.

Reflecting on the victory, Jackett told The News: “The first half was 50-50 and lots of chances right from the start at both ends.

“We’ve scored a good goal from a terrific ball in from Ronan Curtis.

“In the second half I thought we were on top from start to finish through the half.

“I’ve got respect for Sunderland as a club and Phil Parkinson is doing a fantastic job there.

“But we didn’t let them back into the game. We got a goal, could’ve had more and it was deserved win.”

Sunderland host Ipswich Town at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.