Sunderland suffered a 1-0 defeat against Norwich City as Josh Sargent’s late strike gave the Canaries the three points at Carrow Road.
Pierre Ekwah was the first to register an effort on goal but his curling effort distance was dealt with by Angus Gunn. Minutes later, Jenson Seelt was on hand to deflect Sargent’s first-time shot off target as Norwich attempted to hit back after some early pressure.
Anthony Patterson pulled off goalkeeping heroics to deny Borja Seinz just before the half-hour mark as his ferocious volley was tipped over the bar.
A well-worked move between Luis Hemir and Dan Neil freed the run of Trai Hume down the right. His cutback went in search of the Portuguese striker but the linesman’s flag was raised to deny the opportunity.
The first period ended with a fizzed effort from Gabriel Sara who let fly from distance on the stroke of half-time but the ball flew over the bar.
The first ten minutes of the second half belonged to home side with Sara testing the palms of Patterson with a shot inside the box.
The Sunderland shotstopper was called to action again 20 minutes from time with Sainz low effort thwarted with a smart save down to his left.
Abdoullah Ba wriggled his way past two Norwich defenders and forced Gunn to tip his effort onto the crossbar from an acute angle in what would have been an outstanding solo goal.
Ten minutes from time, the Canaries forced themselves into the lead when Ben Gibson’s lofted ball eventually dropped to Sargent in the box who lashed home from close distance.
Nazariy Rusyn threatened the Norwich goal with two headers on target but the Lads couldn't find a way through in East Anglia.
SAFC XI: Patterson; Hume, Seelt, O’Nien ©, Hjelde; Neil, Ekwah; Mundle (Ba 68’), Jobe (Burstow 86’), Styles (Rigg 74’); Luis Hemir (Rusyn 68’)
Subs: Bishop, Pembele, Aouchiche, Kelly, Lavery