Sunderland AFC 0-1 Blackpool

Sunderland’s winless run extended to seven games as they were beaten 1-0 by Blackpool at the Stadium of Light.  

Blackpool scored the only goal of the game through a fantastic strike from Sullay Kaikai in the 56^th minute.

Lee Johnson made once change from the side that drew 3-3 with Accrington Stanley, with Grant Leadbitter replacing Carl Winchester.

The first real chance of the game came 24 minutes in as Aiden O’Brien found himself behind the Blackpool defence, but his first-time lob was easily caught by Christopher Maxwell.

Sunderland’s 30-goal man Charlie Wyke could have opened the scoring in the 44^th minute, but couldn’t connect with Gooch’s cross into the six-yard box, ending a pedestrian first half devoid of quality from either side.

Blackpool broke the deadlock in the 56^th minute with a moment of real quality from Kaikai, whose first-time strike from distance was fired straight past Lee Burge.

The Black Cats almost equalised in the 72^nd minute when Aiden McGeady’s free kick was headed across the box by Ross Stewart, Wyke’s header was blocked by Maxwell.

Blackpool had a chance to double their lead through Jerry Yates in the 83^rd minute as he held off Luke O’Nien, but his shot fizzed past the near post.

 Wyke had another chance to equalise for the home side in the second minute of stoppage time from a McGeady cross, but Maxwell was alive again to prevent the striker’s header finding the back of the net.

The pressure is on Sunderland to pick up points in their final two games as they look to book their play-off place, with the next game coming away at Plymouth.