The dramatic story of the day as Sunderland drop more points against Accrington Stanley
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats have seen their automatic promotion hopes fade after a disappointing few weeks, although there were some promising signs to come from the side’s 2-2 draw at Hull City in midweek.
And that will give Lee Johnson the confidence that his team can secure a much-needed victory against Accrington Stanley this afternoon.
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Hide AdHowever, they may have to do so without the influential Aiden McGeady, who is a doubt ahead of the clash.
Accrington, meanwhile, still hold hopes of a play-off place themselves and clinched an impressive win over Doncaster Rovers in midweek.
Our team of writers will be bringing you match updates, analysis and reaction from the Stadium of Light – as Sunderland look to cement their play-off place while applying more pressure on Hull and Peterborough United in the top two.
FT: Sunderland AFC 3-3 Accrington Stanley (Wyke 6, 11, Power 83; Bishop 51, O’Nien OG 68, McConville 85)
Key Events
- Sunderland face Accrington Stanley looking to end their five-game winless run in League One
- The Black Cats showed signs of promise in midweek as they drew with table-topping Hull City
- Aiden McGeady is a doubt for the game with a foot injury
- SAFC XI: Burge; Power, Wright, O’Nien, Hume; Scowen, Winchester, Gooch, McGeady; O’Brien, Wyke
5 - SAVE!
Burge is called into action early on as he denies Charles.
Wright is too easily outmuscled by the Accrington striker who bursts in behind and tries his luck from the angle.
Thankfully the shot is fairly tame and Burge can hold, but that was soft defensively from the hosts.
6 - GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLL! WYKEEEEEE!!
SUNDERLAND LEAD!
A great start for the Black Cats and a 29th of the season for the striker.
It all began with some great pressing from Winchester in the middle, who then spread the ball out to Gooch on the right.
His cross was perfectly weighted - and allowed Wyke to send his header from 10 yards back across goal and in.
1-0!
11 - GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLL! WYKE AGAIN!!!
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
What a start for Sunderland and what a start for Wyke!
That’s his 30th goal of the season and another well-taken, one touch finish.
It came from the left flank this time, as McGeady swept in a low cross to the near post - where Wyke got across his man and side-footed home.
2-0!
15 - A brief stoppage in play here...
As referee Darren Drysdale receives treatment!
The official stopped play he clutched his head, and is receiving some treatment from a medic now.
He looks okay to continue, though!
17 - A chance for Accrington...
That’s the closest the visitors have come so far.
As play resumes following Drysdale’s injury, Phillips flashes a shot just wide of the far post.
Burge didn’t look too concerned - but that was mighty close!
21 - It’s almost three!
And it’s almost a hat-trick for Wyke!
No surprise that McGeady was the catalyst for the chance, as he swung in yet another tantalising ball from the left flank.
Wyke again was in space just in front of the penalty area, but just couldn’t stretch far enough to make contact.
Sunderland are really playing some excellent football here. A great start.
23 - Fingertips from Burge!
A great save from the Sunderland stopper!
Just moments after that glorious Wyke chance, Accrington have an opportunity of their own as Bishop rose highest from a corner and steered a header goalwards.
It looked as if it could loop in - before Burge did well to claw it away.
26 - It should be three!
That was a great opportunity for O’Brien.
A through-ball set him away down the left flank and the former Millwall man had an age to pick his spot, but could only fire straight at Savin.
Then down the other end, Phillips once again came close - but sent a powerful shot wide from 16 yards after fashioning himself some space.
32 - Sunderland still very much on top here
The Black Cats are continuing to apply the pressure here and are causing Accrington some real problems - particularly in the wide areas.
Unfortunately, however, Peterborough are beating Charlton. That means it’s as you were in the race for second at present.