Sunderland AFC 1-1 Northampton Town
Sunderland drew with Northampton Town at the Stadium of Light as their focus now turns to Lincoln City in the play-off semi-final.
Northampton’s Sam Hoskins scored in the 84th minute.
Carl Winchester equalised for the Black Cats in the 87th minute.
Lee Johnson made one change from the side that beat Plymouth, with Charlie Wyke replacing Ross Stewart.
Jack Diamond had the first chance of the game in the 37th minute after a laboured start, but his shot was blocked by the Northampton defence.
Lynden Gooch had a chance to open the scoring after a Luke O’Nien long ball was flicked on by Wyke, but Jonathan Mitchell smothered the chance.
Northampton’s first chance came through a free kick but the shot hit the wall and Mikel Miller’s rebounded shot was blocked for a corner.
Carl Winchester’s high press created a chance for Aiden O’Brien in the 70th minute, but shot was scooped over the bar.
O’Brien and Jordan Jones’ one-two was Sunderland’s best play of the game, but Jones’ resulting shot was fired well over the bar.
The Cobblers took the lead in the 84th minute after Hoskins’ free kick deflected off Grant Leadbitter and Lee Burge could not react in time to prevent the goal.
The home side equalised in the 87th minute after Jones’ shot struck both posts and fell kindly to Winchester who tapped the rebound past Mitchell. Sunderland will play Lincoln City at Sincil Bank on May 19 and the second leg at home on May 22.
