Sunderland Retain Top Spot with Away Draw

07/11/2024 11:52 Share

Sunderland remain out front in the EFL Championship despite being held to a second goalless draw in a matter of days by Preston North End.

The Bristol Street Motors-backed side had been unable to break down a stubborn QPR side at the weekend, and headed for the North West looking to get back to winning ways to extend the lead at the top of the standings.

Despite their somewhat lowly position in the league, Preston started the game strongly and missed a guilt-edged chance to take the lead early on when Sam Greenwood failed to convert an opportunity from inside the six yard box.

Astonishingly, his miss seemed to have handed Kaine Kesler-Hayden an even easier finish but he too failed to connect with the ball – allowing Sunderland to escape and leave the score goalless.

Greenwood was again involved when he sent over a cross for Mads Frokjaer-Jensen to flash a header wide when well placed in the six yard box before Sunderland went close at the other end when Aaron Connolly was first to a ball into the Preston box but was denied by ‘keeper Freddie Woodman.

Preston went close again before the break as a curling shot from Emil Riis was turned away by Simon Moore in impressive fashion to ensure that the scores remained level.

The home side continued to create chances after the break but the Sunderland defence held strong – although there was a brief scare when Riis went down in the box under a challenge from Trai Hume only for the referee to wave away calls for a penalty.

Sunderland’s best chance to steal the win came late on when a long cross to the back post from Romain Mundle was met on the volley by Patrick Roberts, although his effort was turned around the post by Woodman.

The point means Sunderland sit two clear of Sheffield United at the top, with Leeds United having slipped to third after a loss away at Millwall.

Sunderland’s next game is against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, with the visitors going into the game looking for a new manager after dismissing Mark Robins.