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
49 - CHANCE!
A first sight of goal this half.
After Hume is fouled, O’Nien floats a free-kick forward and Wyke wins the flick-on.
Gooch ghosts in behind his marker and connects, but his shot is tame and comfortably blocked and then held by Mitchell.
52 - Sunderland are making another change...
OFF: McLaughlin
ON: Maguire
Gooch moves to right-back as a result.
56 - CHANCE!
Another opportunity for Sunderland as Jones - now playing on the right flank - drives forward.
He tries to place his shot from the edge of the box but can only find the side netting.
It’s better from the Black Cats though, who are playing with some energy.
58 - It’s still as you were in League One
Oxford have gone 3-0 up, but there have been no additional goals elsewhere.
The U’s still heading for the top six.
62 - Penalty appeals for Sunderland!
Gooch slips Jones into the area and he knocks the ball through the legs of his man before being impeded.
The referee takes a look at it, but doesn’t give a foul.
69 - A chance for Northampton
The Cobblers have looked a threat from set pieces, and have just come close from a corner.
A deep delivery found Horsfall at the back stick, but he could only head wide.
73 - Sunderland are huffing and puffing
The Black Cats are continuing to see most of the ball and Aiden O’Brien has fired narrowly wide after entering the fray.
But the hosts have been sloppy in possession and their decision making has been very poor.