Sunderland Retain Unbeaten Home Record

11/12/2024 13:17 Share

Sunderland remain unbeaten at home in the EFL Championship this season but only after a late equaliser from Patrick Roberts against Bristol City.

The Bristol Street Motors-backed side was bidding to try and close the gap on the top two in the standings, against a side sitting in mid-table that was looking to improve on a run of three defeats in four games.

The visitors made a solid start to the game and had an early chance through Max Bird after a scramble in the Sunderland box before a header at the other end from Wilson Isidor went close to opening the scoring for the home side.

Sunderland grew into the game but were dealt a blow when Tommy Watson – fresh from two goals at the weekend – was forced to limp off following a heavy challenge as he looked to take a shot on goal.

After a scoreless first half, Bristol City hit the front just after the hour mark, albeit in somewhat fortuitous circumstances as the ball bobbled around in the home box before falling to Luke McNally to smash home beyond Anthony Patterson.

Sunderland pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way past Max O’Leary until stoppage time when Roberts – who had come on to replace the injured Watson – got on the end of a cross from the left to blast the ball into the net.

A flicked header from Dan Ballard almost stole all three points for the Black Cats, who remain fourth in the standings going into the weekend game with Swansea City.