Sunderland striker Marcus Stewart scored the only goal of the game against
Sheffield United today to keep his side's promotion campaign on track.
The 32-year-old volleyed home with two minutes left in the first half to give
his side the points over the Blades.
Although the visitors fought back in the second period, they struggled to
create clear opportunities without the threat of a confident striker such as
Stewart.
Both sides have FA Cup fourth-round ties next week - after beating top-flight
opposition in the previous round - but priorities for both is consistency in the
Coca-Cola Championship.
The difference between the two promotion hopefuls was their attacking power.
While Andy Gray toiled for the visitors as a lone striker, Stephen Elliott and
Stewart were combining to great effect for Mick McCarthy's side.
Although Stewart was the only player to show composure in the opening
exchanges, it was Elliott who had almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute.
Racing onto his strike-partner's intelligent flick following a clearance from
a corner, the former Manchester City striker chipped Paddy Kenny with confidence
but was denied his 13th goal of the season by the crossbar.
The front pair combining put the Black Cats in the ascendancy, and they had a
great chance with a bizarre opportunity after 25 minutes.
Referee Peter Walton penalised Leigh Bromby for obstruction in the penalty
area after Dean Whitehead's surging run. The resulting free-kick was taken
inside the six-yard box and Kenny bravely stopped Arca's drive.
Neil Warnock's side are the league's away-day specialists, with eight wins on
their travels this season, but they found opportunities difficult to forge.
Growing increasingly frustrated with his side's lack of enterprise, Alan Quinn
was booked for a trip on Carl Robinson, and the home side continued to press.
Michael Tongue had a weak effort easily saved by Thomas Myhre before the hosts
took control of the game.
Stewart was sent through by Elliott after 36 minutes but dragged his shot wide
with Kenny beaten. But the former Ipswich striker was not to be denied two
minutes before half-time, crisply volleying home from Elliott's cross from the
left, leaving Kenny with no chance.
Warnock responded by bringing on Danny Cadamarteri at the break for Andy
Liddell - and the visitors looked to have more of an attacking threat. Three
minutes into the second half Gray's turn and shot flashed wide with Myhre
stranded.
But Sunderland did not try to defend their slender advantage, Stewart denied
by a last-ditch Morgan tackle after Kenny had raced out of his area and
misjudged a clearance.
Both sides were looking likely to grab the second goal of the game, with Gray
unlucky to see his firm downward header from a corner blocked by team-mate
Cadamarteri after 63 minutes.
McCarthy's tactic was to attack, bringing on Chris Brown for Jeff Whitley, who
had been booked, in the 68th minute. Sean Thornton was brought on for Stephen
Wright at the same time as the hosts looked to kill the game with a second
goal.
Jonathan Forte was brought on for Quinn as the Blades looked for the leveller
- and the youngster went on an exciting run on the left before mis-hitting his
cross when in a good position.
Forte was then denied by Myhre after riding two challenges and firing a shot
towards the top corner.
Warnock's last gamble was throwing on striker Paul Shaw for defender Danny
Cullip - but it was Sunderland who came closest to scoring. Brown was found
unmarked in the area by Dean Whitehead but Kenny produced a magnificent double
save to keep it 1-0. Stewart was taken off to a standing ovation with five
minutes remaining - his work was done.
Teams
Sunderland Myhre, Wright, Neill Collins, Danny Collins,
McCartney, Whitehead, Whitley (Thornton 69), Robinson, Arca,
Elliott (Brown 68), Stewart (Bridges 85).
Subs Not Used: Lynch, Alnwick.
Booked: Whitley, Arca.
Goals: Stewart 44.
Sheff Utd Kenny, Morgan, Cullip (Shaw 78), Geary, Bromby,
Quinn (Forte 71), Jagielka, Tonge, Harley, Gray,
Liddell (Cadamarteri 45).
Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Thirlwell.
Booked: Geary, Quinn, Harley, Morgan.
Att: 27,337
Ref: P Walton (Northamptonshire).
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