The story of the day as Sunderland seal a play-off place and end their winless run at Plymouth Argyle
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats’ defeat at Blackpool on Tuesday evening was another blow as the side look to build-up some momentum ahead of a potential play-off tilt.
Indeed, victory today could secure a top six spot for Sunderland while even other results could see their spot in the play-offs mathematically secured.
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Hide AdAnd Lee Johnson could be able to call upon the returning Conor McLaughlin as he looks to shore-up a defence that have shipped six goals in their last three games.
There could be changes at the other end too, with Johnson set to make big calls on the likes of Jordan Jones in the forward areas.
And our team of writers will be bringing you a stream of team news, updates, analysis and reaction from Home Park as the Wearsiders look to return to winning ways.
FT: Plymouth Argyle 1-3 Sunderland AFC (Edwards 63; Stewart 21, Maguire 84, Hume 90)
Key Events
- Sunderland head to Plymouth Argyle looking to end their seven-game winless run
- Victory at Home Park would secure a play-off spot for the Black Cats
- Lee Johnson could welcome Conor McLaughlin back into the fold after a period on the sidelines
- SAFC XI: Burge; McLaughlin, Wright, O’Nien, Hume; Power, Scowen; Jones, Diamond, Gooch; Stewart
19 - Penalty shouts for Plymouth
After Diamond looks to be fouled on the edge of Sunderland’s own penalty area, nothing is given and play continues.
Edwards then bursts into the box and goes down under presure from Hume - but again, nothing is given.
That looked the correct decision from here.
19 - Penalty shouts for Plymouth
After Diamond looks to be fouled on the edge of Sunderland’s own penalty area, nothing is given and play continues.
Edwards then bursts into the box and goes down under presure from Hume - but again, nothing is given.
That looked the correct decision from here.
21 - GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLL! STEWART!
SUNDERLAND LEAD AT PLYMOUTH!
And it’s Ross Stewart who nets!
The goal owed much to Lynden Gooch’s fine work to first secure the ball and then thread a pass through to Stewart.
Plymouth were appealing for offside, but the flag never came.
Stewart advanced upon goal and then finished well, firing across Cooper and into the far corner.
1-0!
Phil Smith delivers his verdict on the game’s opening goal...
Phil SmithJust moments before that goal Jamie McAllister and Lee Johnson gave their side an almighty volley after a slack start to the game. It’s a superb pass from Lynden Gooch and brilliant from Ross Stewart, first to stay onside in his own half and then to finish. A big boost him for him and Sunderland
23 - A stoppage in play now
We’re yet to resume play since the goal, with Niall Ennis having required some treatment in the Sunderland half.
He’s back to his feet now, and play can continue.
28 - That is a HUGE let-off for Sunderland!
Wow. Plymouth should be level here.
Hardie delivers a cross that should be easy enough to clear, but there’s a huge mix-up between Hume and Scowen in the box.
That allows the ball to fall kindly for Ennis - but he somehow blazes wide from six yards out.
That was a huge chance for the hosts.
30 - Get in!
Here’s the goal that put Sunderland ahead - as captured through the lens of Ian Horrocks...
34 - Mayor is looking a handful for Plymouth
The former Bury winger is getting into some good areas and has just won the hosts a corner - but thankfully it came to nothing.
He’s giving Conor McLaughlin plenty to think about, though.
35 - CHANCE!
Another opportunity for Sunderland as Stewart won his flick on and found Jones behind him.
The winger took the ball down on his chest before it bounced just too high, and his volley arched over.
36 - ANOTHER CHANCE!
And that’s almost a superb goal from Lynden Gooch!
The American surges forward out of midfield and, as Plymouth defenders back away, spaces opens up for a shot.
Gooch has a go from 25 yards and, while it’s well hit and rising, Cooper does well to parry it away.
That would have been some goal had it found the net...