Swansea City 2-1 Sunderland AFC
Sunderland fell to a narrow defeat at Swansea City on Saturday.
The home side opened the scoring with 12 minutes played at the Swansea.com Stadium, as Ollie Cooper’s low strike deflected into the net.
Harry Darling doubled the Swans’ advantage on the stroke of half-time, but a classy finish from Jack Clarke reduced the deficit with 51 minutes played.
Tony Mowbray’s side continued to push forward throughout the remainder of the second period, but they were unable to find an equaliser and returned to Wearside empty-handed.
Sunderland made one change at the Liberty Stadium, as Dan Neil returned to the starting XI in place of Amad.
Russell Martin made four changes following the Swans midweek victory over Watford, with Joel Latibeaudiere, Luke Cundle, Darling and Cooper selected.
The home side showcased their attacking capabilities early on, with Jay Fulton and Cundle threatening before Patrick Roberts fired wide at the opposite end.
Patterson made a diving save soon after, but the stopper was powerless to prevent Cooper from opening the scoring after 12 minutes due to a cruel deflection off Luke O’Nien.
Corry Evans and Neil collected yellow cards in the stages that followed, with the captain now set to serve a one-match suspension next weekend when the Lads face Wigan Athletic.
The Swans doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time through Darling, who poked the ball into the net after a headed knockdown.
Goalkeeper Steven Benda had to beat an Alex Prichard free kick to safety following the restart, as the Lads sought to find a route back into the game.
They found one soon after, with Clarke probing forward before dispatching a pinpoint finish to reduce the deficit with 39 minutes on the clock.
Mowbray’s men continued to push forward and the Swans made a double change, as Olivier Ntcham and Michael Obafemi joined the action.
Jewison Bennette replaced Roberts for the final 25 minutes, with a succession of first-class saves from Patterson ensuring the Black Cats entered the final stages with everything to play for.
Jay Matete, Abdoullah Ba and Amad were also introduced for the finale, with the on-loan Manchester United forward testing Benda immediately.
The Swans refused to be breached for a second time, however, ensuring the Lads’ effort went unrewarded and they returned to the North East empty-handed.
Swansea City: Benda, Wood (Sorinola 76), Darling, Cabango; Latibeaudiere, Fulton, Grimes (C), Manning, Cundle (Obafemi 58), Cooper (Ntcham 58), Piroe (Oko-Flex 83).
Subs not used: Fisher, Naughton, Stevens.
Sunderland AFC: Patterson, Gooch, O'Nien, Batth, Alese, Evans, Neil (Matete 76), Pritchard (Amad 76), Embleton (Ba 76), Roberts (Bennette 63), Clarke.
Subs not used: Bass, Cirkin, Wright.