Oxford 0-1 Sunderland: Black Cats progress to FA Cup fifth round

Regis Le Bris side edged past a resilient Oxford United on a wet afternoon at the Kassam Stadium in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Habib Diarra’s first-half penalty was enough to win the game inside 90 minutes.

Le Bris named a strong starting XI, like he did in the previous round against Everton, with Robin Roefs being picked over new signing Melker Ellborg, while fellow signings Jocelin Ta Bi and Nilson Angulo were both named on the bench.

After a pretty even start, Wilson Isidor was the first to have a chance at goal when Chemsdine Talbi’s cross found him, but his first attempt was well blocked by the Oxford defender before his second effort from close range hit the side netting.

Oxford, however, also challenged Sunderland’s defenders when Jamie Donley’s shot from outside of the box was punched clear by Roefs.

The deadlock was eventually broken after 30 minutes, when Christ Makosso brought down Dennis Cirkin in the box and the referee pointed to the spot, despite the protests of the Oxford players.

Diarra coolly rolled the ball into the corner of the net, with Matt Ingram diving the wrong way, giving Sunderland the lead.

In the second half, Sunderland turned it up a gear with Mundle’s powerful strike and Talbi’s long range effort both being saved by Ingram just before the hour mark.

It became one-way traffic as the Black Cats attempted to extend their narrow lead but were denied twice by Ingram; Trai Hume’s volley from outside the box was palmed out for a corner while substitute Eliezer Mayenda was also denied five minutes later.

From the resulting corner, Ingram again denied Sunderland when Nordi Mukiele’s header was pushed past the post.

The Black Cats return to league action as they play Fulham at the Stadium of Light on Sunday 22nd February.