Sunderland took a big step towards the League One play-off final at the Stadium of Light as they will take a 1-0 lead into the second leg against Sheffield Wednesday. Ross Stewart’s first-half goal was the difference between the two League One sides as his hard work was rewarded at the second time of asking.
Alex Pritchard came within a couple of inches of doubling the Black Cats’ lead when his brilliant effort smashed the crossbar just after half-time. But, other than that, it was a game of very few chances and Alex Neil will be happy to be taking a one-goal lead into the second leg at Hillsborough.
At the other end, the Sunderland defence was very rarely troubled on a night where a play-off attendance record was beaten. Over 43,000 supporters were packed inside Stadium of Light and their presence was known as they didn’t stop making noise all evening.
