Sunderland AFC 1 Bolton Wanderers 0 RECAP: Carl Winchester scores the winning goal as Cats win at Stadium of Light
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats were looking to get back to winning ways in the league following the disappointing 2-2 draw with Fleetwood Town last time out in League One.
Sunderland comfortably beat Wigan Athletic in the Carabao Cup and they built on that with victory over Bolton.
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Hide AdIt was tight and tense and Bolton probably deserved something but Sunderland held firm to win.
Recap all the action and analysis below in our blog.
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Sunderland v Bolton Wanderers LIVE: Action and reaction
Key Events
- SAFC: Hoffmann, Winchester, Flanagan, Doyle, Cirkin, O'Nien, Neil, McGeady, Pritchard, Embleton, Stewart
- Bolton: Dixon, Jones, Williams, Santos, Johnston, Sheehan, Doyle, Sarcevic, Afolayan, Isgrove, Gordon.
Grant Leadbitter says his goodbyes...and the game gets underway
The former Sunderland skipper came out to take the applause of the SAFC fans, he also received a gift from the club to mark his retirement.
We wish you all the best Grant.
On the pitch, Sunderland have kick-off and they are shooting towards the Roker End in the first half.
Big crowd in here again today, Sunderland players look focused ahead of kick-off, this should be a good game.
Emotional tribute to Len Ashurst prior to kick-off
There was a minute’s applause to Len Ashurst prior to kick-off, the club legend has passed away at the age of 82.
All corners of the ground stood to pay their respects.
The turnstiles are open here and the fans are coming in
KO is just 35 minutes away here at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland host Bolton.
Sunderland have made two changes, Tom Flanagan and Alex Pritchard come in, with Bailey Wright on the bench. Lynden Gooch misses out today through injury.
Sunderland fans can say their thanks to Grant Leadbitter prior to kick-off after his recent retirement, while there will also be a minute’s applause for Len Ashurst who has sadly passed away.
The media lounge has also been renamed in Louise Wanless’s honour.
Sunderland youngster heads out on loan
Anthony Patterson has joined Notts County on a short-term loan.
Patterson is expected to be in contention to make his debut at Altrincham on Saturday afternoon.
The 21-year-old is highly rated by the Black Cats, but Johnson is determined to ensure that he gets 25 starts over the course of the campaign to develop his game.
That has become a tougher task on Wearside due to the arrival of Thorben Hoffmann from Bayern Munich.
Notts County goalkeeper Sam Slocombe is believed to have picked up an injury in training this week, opening up the opportunity for Patterson.
Fitness update from the Sunderland boss
Asked for a fitness update on Friday afternoon, head coach Lee Johnson said: “We’re looking pretty healthy.
“Denver is coming along pretty nicely and could get some U23 minutes on Monday night [away at Wolves].
“We’ve then got a game in the Papa John’s Trophy at Lincoln City eight days later, and providing he comes through Monday OK he could have some involvement there.
“Arby is doing well and training with us, though we’re not pushing him into games just yet.”