The story of the evening as Sunderland's winless run stretches to seven games after disappointing Blackpool defeat

The hosts have seen plenty of the ball so far and have spent most of the early exchanges in the Blackpool half.

Interestingly, there’s been a slight change at the back - with O’Nien playing as the right-sided centre back with Wright on the left. That’s a subtle change to what we’ve seen before.

And Blackpool have barely had a touch so far!

There haven’t been any real chances as of yet, but the hosts are applying plenty of pressure early on.

Sunderland are almost playing a 4-2-4 given how high McGeady and Gooch are on both the flanks. Hopefully that gives the side a bit more in the final third.

After a slow start, the Tangerines are growing into this and have just won the first corner of the evening after some confusion between Bailey Wright and Denver Hume - but thankfully Sunderland got it away.

The Wearsiders are going pretty direct early on, hitting it long whenever possible and trying to put the visiting back five under some pressure.

SUNDERLAND 0-0 BLACKPOOL

Crewe 0-1 CHARLTON

Accrington 1-0 PORTSMOUTH

Shrewsbury 0-1 LINCOLN

Twenty minutes on the clock and we’re yet to have anything resembling a chance. Or even a shot. Or even a real spell of pressure from either team.

There’s a distinct end of season feel to this one - but we’ll put that down to nerves given there’s plenty on the line this evening.

It’s taken 24 minutes, but finally. Some action.

I mean we’re maybe stretching it slightly, but Leadbitter’s long ball has just been met by O’Brien who has prodded straight at Maxwell.

He was stretching to reach the ball in fairness, but at least we’ve had some action in the final third.

After the excitement that was that O’Brien shot, we’ve reverted back to how the first 25 minutes or so panned out.

We’ve just had a half-chance though, with Wyke heading well over under pressure after a teasing ball from the left flank courtesy of Hume.

It was better from the Black Cats, and the hosts are dominating possession, but they’re still struggling to carve out any serious chances.

As the hosts continue to dominate the ball, Lee Johnson urges his side to move the ball quicker in the final third.

They certainly need to do something differently if they’re to undo this Blackpool defence.

After 40 long minutes, Lee Burge is finally called into action.

And it’s quite a good chance for Blackpool as a long ball from goalkeeper Chris Maxwell deflects kindly for Yates - who tries the snapshot from the edge of the box.

It’s well-struck but lacks accuracy and is easy for Burge to hold.

Still goalless here.

And I’m sure it can’t come quick enough for both managers given the lack of quality on show.

There have been some half-chances in the last few minutes - Turton firing over for Blackpool and Wyke just narrowly failing to connect with a Gooch cross - but there’s been nothing resembling a clear-cut opportunity.