Portsmouth 0-2 Sunderland
Embed from Getty ImagesIn this play off places clash, under the lights at Fratton Park, Sunderland strengthened their challenge for automatic promotion with a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth.
After an opening cagey affair, which saw each side trade fouls, Sunderland broke the deadlock through inform striker Charlie Wyke in the 13th minute of the game.
A few attacking freekicks were awarded to Portsmouth yet they couldn’t turn them into any decent chances to draw level. Sunderland however, looked the more threatening each time they came forward with the ball.
A very similar affair to the EFL Trophy final meeting, the first half was all Sunderland with Portsmouth struggling to adjust. The opening 45 minutes ended with the home side not finding a shot on target.
The second half resumed very much like the first, the Black Cats dominating the opposition.
In the 58th minute, Sunderland countered and scored after reclaiming the ball when a supposed foul on Ryan Williams was waved away by the referee.
Jordan Jones lobbed Portsmouth keeper Craig MacGillivray to double their advantage after Sean Raggett failed to reach the ball.
This saw the Fratton side make two attacking changes bringing on Ronan Curtis and Michael Jacobs but neither could make the mark in the game.
Despite making changes to go five at the back, the northern side continued to press for a third in the dying embers.
Sunderland eventually saw the game out with relative ease, making it another three points on the road for Lee Johnson’s men.
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