Goals from Ross Stewart and Amad gave Sunderland a crucial victory against near-neighbours Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats were dominant in the first half but could not make their chances count.
But in the second period they were given a helping hand when Boro defender Dael Fry conceded a penalty for a foul on Stewart, and was also sent off for a professional foul in the process. Stewart's penalty was saved by Zak Steffen, but the Scot was on hand to tap home the rebound.
And ten minutes from the end, Amad added the second goal just to make sure. Sunderland moved up to ninth place in the table and are now just a point behind sixth-placed Boro and fifth-placed Norwich City.
READ MORE: Ross Stewart and Amad on target as Sunderland beat ten-man Middlesbrough on Wearside
For Boro, this marked the end of their four-game Championship winning streak. Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players.
Anthony Patterson 7
Made a couple of good saves, including from Forss in the first half and McGree in the second
Trai Hume 8
An excellent performance at right-back, before switching to left-back when Alese went off
Daniel Ballard 7
Very solid at the heart of defence alongside Batth
Danny Batth 8
Back in the starting line-up and was a tower of strength at the back
Aji Alese 8
Outstanding at left-back on his return to the side until he limped off 20 minutes from time
Corry Evans 6
Suffered an early injury, couldn't run it off, and was subbed inside 11 minutes
Dan Neil 8
An excellent performance in the middle of the park, where he won plenty of ball and used it well
Patrick Roberts 7
Always a threat when he picked the ball up on the right, provided the assist for Amad, and could have had a goal himself in the first half
Amad 8
Caused Boro problems every time he ran at their defence, had chances to score in the first half and fully deserved his goal near the end
Jack Clarke 8
Boro struggled to handle him when he came forward down the left
Ross Stewart 8
Played the centre-forward's role to perfection, saw a penalty saved but scored the rebound, and could have had goals before then in the first half
Subs
Edouard Michut 7
For Evans 11mins. Kept the midfield ticking over and never looked out of place
Bailey Wright 7
For Alese 70mins. Came on at right-back and did a solid job
Jewison Bennette N/A
For Clarke 81mins.
Abdoullah Ba N/A
For Roberts 82mins.
Not used: Bass, Dajaku, Taylor
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