16/12/2024 14:29
The Bristol Street Motors-backed side went into the game looking to bounce back from a goalless draw with Bristol City in mid-week in which talented teenager Tommy Watson had picked up an unfortunate injury that will rule him out until the New Year.
Early on, it looked like Sunderland were facing just a fourth defeat of the season as Swansea raced into a two-goal lead, with Zan Vipotnik opening the scoring with a close range volley after just five minutes.
Liam Cullen came close to doubling the lead for the Welsh side with a shot that Anthony Patterson did well to turn round the post before the same player did then score a second with a stunning free-kick that flew into the top corner.
Sunderland were shell-shocked but came back well and within ten minutes, a header from Dan Ballard got his side back into the game.
After the break, Sunderland grew in confidence as chances started to arrive and it was no shock when the equaliser arrived.
Coming forwards from midfield, Dan Neil let fly from distance with a shot that gave Lawrence Vigouroux no chance as it flew past him into the net – and things got even better just two minutes later.
This time, Chris Rigg was able to find space to break down the right hand side, and his cross found Jobe Bellingham in the centre to fire home from close range and complete a fine comeback.
With Leeds United held to a draw by Preston, Sunderland have closed to within two points of the Yorkshire side ahead of the final tie before Christmas, with Norwich City visiting the Stadium of Light at the weekend.