Phil Parkinson explains why he dropped Jon McLaughlin as Sunderland defender suffers injury

The new Black Cats boss made a bold selection call at Adams Park, dropping Jon McLaughlin following a series of questionable performances.

McLaughlin was one of the players of the year last season but he is yet to hit the same heights and he was dropped to the bench against Wycombe Wanderers.

Sunderland are yet to keep a league clean sheet this campaign and Burge could do little about Darius Charles’ effort thumped in from close range on the half hour mark.

Explaining the decision, Parkinson said: “I thought Lee Burge had done well in the cup games and Jon’s form probably hasn’t been as good as it was last year.

“I know Jon well and I thought Lee deserved a chance and I thought he took it.

Jon’s fine - he is the ultimate professional and he was fine with it [the decision], there is good competition in that position.”

Sunderland suffered an injury blow at Wycombe, Charlie Wyke twisting his ankle and damaging ankle ligaments, with the striker facing a spell out.

Meanwhile, Parkinson also confirmed why Laurens De Bock was absent - the left-back has suffered a slight tear in his thigh, with Denver Hume replacing him in the side.

“De Bock has got a slight thigh strain which he had had for a couple of weeks but had carried on with.

“However the medical department had it scanned early this week and it is a slight tear.”

*Colby Bishop's first-half double saw Accrington Stanley beat League One leaders Ipswich yesterday.

The three points lifted them out of the relegation zone.

Stanley went ahead after 17 minutes when Bishop headed Sam Finley's high, looping cross past visiting goalkeeper Tomas Holy.

A foul on Bishop by Ipswich defender Toto Nsiala allowed the Accrington striker to convert his second from the penalty spot.

Both sides finished with 10 men after red cards.

Accrington's Ross Sykes and Ipswich substitute Armando Dobra saw red for an off the ball tangle.

The Tractor Boys arrived at the Wham Stadium on the back of a four-match winning streak and went close early on through Alan Judge's glancing header.

But the home side made the breakthrough when Bishop found space in the box to head home Finley's deep cross.

Stanley were then given a penalty after the ball bounced awkwardly in the box and Nsiala fouled Bishop as the two challenged for the ball in the air.

Ipswich twice saw efforts cleared off the line as they attempted a comeback, with Jordan Clark preventing an own goal and Sykes frustrating Luke Woolfenden.

Sykes and Dobra were both sent-off in the 78th minute for their parts in an off-the-ball confrontation.

Despite the loss, Ipswich remain top of League One, with the three points moving Accrington up to 17th.

Line-ups

Match Stats

Live Text

Home TeamAccringtonAway TeamIpswich

Possession

Home38%

Away62%

Shots

Home12

Ipswich, who play at Accrington on Sunday, are a point ahead of Wycombe and three clear of Peterborough, who won 2-1 at Gillingham.

Joe Ward gave Peterborough the lead five minutes before half-time with a vicious shot from outside the area.

Mo Eisa doubled the lead from the penalty spot after 51 minutes - Posh's 30th goal of the season - before Mikael Mandron (80) grabbed a Gills consolation.

Paddy Madden scored a hat-trick as Fleetwood moved up to fourth with a 4-1 home victory over Burton.

Ched Evans put the hosts ahead on 38 minutes but Oliver Sarkic equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Madden restored Fleetwood's lead after 58 minutes and struck again 10 minutes later.

He completed his treble in the final minute, his 10th goal of the season.

Oxford extended their unbeaten league run to seven games with a 2-1 success at Rotherham.

Tarique Fosu-Henry put Oxford ahead midway through the first half with his sixth goal in as many games.

Michael Ihiekwe put the Millers level after 35 minutes, but Matt Taylor (57) headed the winner to take Oxford into fifth spot.

Doncaster beat Bristol Rovers 2-0 at home after goalkeeper Timothy Dieng saved Tom Nicholls' first-half penalty.

Nicholls was denied from the spot after 26 minutes and Doncaster took control after that.

Kieran Sadlier headed Doncaster in front after 39 minutes and Jon Taylor (56) sealed the win.

Bolton's hopes of a first win of the season were dashed by a strong Rochdale comeback.

Thibaud Verlinden put Bolton ahead after 56 minutes when he headed home Joe Dodoo's cross.

But the visitors replied through Callum Camps (65), Oliver Rathbone (70) and Fabio Tavares (84) to win 3-1 and deny former Dale manager Keith Hill his first win as Bolton boss.

AFC Wimbledon moved out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Portsmouth.

Terrell Thomas struck in the third minute of stoppage time to give the Dons a third consecutive win in all competitions.

Pompey are now only two points above the relegation zone.

Coventry drew 0-0 at MK Dons to move into the play-off places.

But the Sky Blues missed the chance to take all three points as Jordy Hiwula saw his second-half penalty saved.