Sunderland moved to within a point of the play-off spots after seeing off Reading at the Stadium of Light. Patrick Roberts scored the only goal of the game inside the final ten minutes as the Black Cats completed a league double against the Royals.
The win lifted Sunderland to seventh in the table and they are now just one place and one point behind Watford, who occupy the final play-off place. The opening 45 minutes was a dire affair with Reading taking every opportunity to slow the game down and waste time.
But Sunderland stepped things up in the second half and, while they never found top gear, they were the better side and carved out a series of chances before Roberts finally made one count. And it means Sunderland have now lost just one of their last eight Championship games.
READ MORE: Patrick Roberts fires Sunderland to victory against Reading and to within a point of the top six
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
Anthony Patterson 7
Not many saves to make, but took crosses well and kept another clean sheet
Trai Hume 7
Got forward whenever he could down the right and was involved in the goal
Dan Ballard 7
Excellent at the heart of Sunderland's defence
Danny Batth 7
Strong alongside Ballard, and between them they kept Carroll in check
Aji Alese 7
Popped up in the final third on several occasions, and on another day might have scored
Dan Neil 6
Worked hard in the middle of the park
Edouard Michut 7
Produced one fine pass to put Gelhardt through, but should have scored himself when he had a chance
Patrick Roberts 8
Always a danger, and he was the man who made the breakthrough and scored the goal
Amad 6
Never gave up but this was not his best performance and he was taken off midway through the second half
Jack Clarke 7
Offered a real threat down the left flank and caused Reading problems
Joe Gelhardt 7
Strong up front on his home debut, and steered one good chance narrowly wide
Subs
Alex Pritchard 7
For Amad 65mins. His experience and knowhow helped in the final 25 minutes
Luke O'Nien N/A
For Neil 75mins.
Isaac Lihadji N/A
For Gelhardt 75mins.
Jewison Bennette N/A
For Clarke 81mins.
Abdoullah Ba N/A
For Michut 81mins.
Not used: Bass, Ekwah
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- Tony Mowbray gives latest update on Dennis Cirkin and Isaac Lihadji ahead of Reading clash
- Penalty area 'pest' Joe Gelhardt is backed to be a hit at Sunderland following his loan move
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