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Kieran King

'I knew I was going to score' - Connor Wickham makes confident claim after Sunderland win

It proved to be an afternoon to remember for Connor Wickham, who returned to the Stadium of Light to score the winner in a 2-1 success for MK Dons over former side Sunderland.

Mo Eisa gave Dons the lead, before Ross Stewart equalised and it seemed as though the Black Cats were going to go and win the game.

However, the 28-year-old came off the bench and grabbed the all-important goal, slotting home superbly after being played through by Troy Parrott.

The result leaves Sunderland outside the play-off places, level on points with sixth-place Wycombe Wanderers, although Alex Neil's team have played a game more.

Go here for all the latest Sunderland AFC news

Meanwhile, Dons stay in third and are bidding for a return to the Championship after their relegation in 2016.

Wickham, who joined the club from Preston North End in January, was delighted to get off the mark and score the match-winner for his side.

He told MK Dons' website: "I've had two games back-to-back of playing teams who have played a massive part in my career, but as I said in my presser before the weekend, it was about getting three points.

"It was nice to get a good reception from the fans, but ultimately we're on track for a good end to the season, so it's a massive three points to us and I'm buzzing."

It was a neat finish from Wickham, who showed great composure to slot the ball home despite being under increased pressure from Sunderland 'keeper Anthony Paterson.

Having struggled with injuries since making the £8million move to the Black Cats in 2011, Wickham will be hoping to return to his best form but he knew he was going to score when he went through on goal.

He added: "When you get into them positions, you have to focus and there was probably a million things that is going on and it seems as though it's slowing down.

"I just composed myself and heard the crowd anticipate what was going to happen when I was going through one-v-one, but I knew I was going to score.

"I was confident I was going to finish it and as soon as it went past the goalkeeper there was no-one who was going to stop it."

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