16/09/2024 14:25
The Bristol Street Motors-backed side had enjoyed a dream start to life under Manager of the Month Regis Le Bris with four wins from four games prior to the international break, and headed to Home Park looking to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Sunderland had the better of the first half and took the lead Chris Rigg was fouled in the box and the visitors were awarded a penalty, which was converted with ease by Chris Rigg.
Sunderland came close to a second before the break when home ‘keeper Dan Grimshaw was almost caught out by a swirling free kick, but Argyle drew level in the second half after an unfortunate own goal from Dan Ballard.
After a Plymouth effort was blocked, Morgan Whittaker fired in a shot that Anthony Patterson did well to turn onto the bar, only for the ball to drop down and hit Ballard before rebounding into the net.
The home side then moved ahead when Ryan Hardie was fouled in the box and beat Patterson from the spot, but Sunderland drew level for a second time late on when Romain Mundle continued his solid start to the campaign with a neat finish through a crowd of players.
It looked like that goal would earn the Black Cats a point to maintain the unbeaten start to the campaign, but the home side grabbed victory in stoppage time when Patterson could only push away a shot from Kornel Szucs and Joe Edwards turned home the rebound.
A 3-0 win against Portsmouth means West Bromwich Albion have now moved to the top of the table, with Sunderland sitting second ahead of the first Tees-Wear derby of the season at home to Middlesbrough this weekend.