The story of the day as Sunderland held by Northampton Town to tee-up Lincoln City play-off tie
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats have already secured their spot in the top six and are guaranteed to finish in at least fifth, but could climb up to third should results go their way today.
And with a shot at promotion to the Championship ahead, boss Lee Johnson is keen to rack-up another positive result after last week’s encouraging showing at Plymouth Argyle.
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Hide AdSunderland could welcome back Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke with Johnson set to make big calls on the duo after they missed out last weekend. The likes of Tom Flanagan, Conor McLaughlin and Jake Vokins may also play some part.
Our team of writers will be in place at the Stadium of Light to bring you all the team news, match updates, analysis and reaction from today’s game.
FT: Sunderland AFC 1-1 Northampton Town (Winchester 87; Hoskins 84)
Key Events
- Sunderland welcome Northampton Town to the Stadium of Light in their final game of the regular League One season (12pm kick-off)
- The Black Cats are guaranteed a top five finish and will today discover their play-off opponents
- Lee Johnson could welcome back Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke
- SAFC XI: Burge; McLaughlin, Wright, O’Nien, Hume; Power, Scowen; Diamond, Jones, Gooch; Wyke
2 - How have Sunderland started?
The Black Cats have been on top early on and have had the first chance of the game.
After good work from Gooch out wide, Jones cut inside before drilling low towards goal - but Mitchell got down to hold his strike.
As expected, Sunderland are lining-up in a 4-2-3-1 shape with Gooch just off Wyke. Diamond is on the right, with Jones on the left.
6 - CHANCE!
A really good start from Sunderland, this.
While the game very much has an end of season feel to it, it’s the Black Cats who have began on top.
And Gooch has just seen a fine, dinked cross clawed over the bar as Wyke looked to nod home at the back post.
From the resultant corner, the ball fell kindly to Diamond - but he just couldn’t get his feet right.
11 - Here’s how things are shaping-up in League One...
Here’s the latest scores that matter in the race for the play-offs...
Accrington Stanley 0-0 Portsmouth
Charlton Athletic 0-0 Hull City
Oxford United 1-0 Burton Albion
Blackpool 0-0 Bristol Rovers
Lincoln City 0-0 AFC Wimbledon
14 - A better spell from Northampton
The visitors are having their best spell in the game, and have won a couple of free-kicks after soft fouls from McLaughlin.
Marshall’s second delivery was nodded behind for a corner, which Sunderland cleared - thanks to some touchline coaching from Grant Leadbitter, who was issuing instructions from the technical area!
17 - A stoppage in play
Danny Rose jumps for a header with Luke O’Nien and comes off worse.
The physio enters the pitch and Sunderland have a chance to gather some instructions from Lee Johnson.
21 - YELLOW CARD
Miller in the book for the visitors, after a very late challenge on Conor McLaughlin on the right flank.
23 - We’re halfway through the half
And there’s very little to write home about so far!
The Black Cats have seen most of the ball but chances are at a premium to say the least...
28 - Some interesting scores elsewhere...
Portsmouth are losing to Accrington Stanley, while Oxford have gone 2-0 up against Burton.
As it stands, the U’s will be climbing into the top six and gaining a play-off place.
Here’s the latest scores that matter...
- Blackpool 0-0 Bristol Rovers
- Lincoln City 0-0 AFC Wimbledon
- Charlton 0-0 Hull City
- Oxford 2-0 Burton
- Portsmouth 0-1 Accrington