Substitute Stephen Elliott's 14th goal of the season was enough to see off Crewe and keep Sunderland firmly in the hunt for automatic promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.

The returning Julio Arca, also on as a substitute, turned the game in the visitors' favour as his mazy run and cross provided Elliott with a chance he could not miss in the 58th minute.

The Republic of Ireland international's cool finish keeps his side second, with Wigan staying top on goal difference following their win against Millwall.

Crewe boss Dario Gradi made one change from the side beaten 4-0 at Sheffield United on Tuesday, Lee Bell replacing Anthony Tonkin at left-back.

Sunderland, going into the clash on a three-game winning run, brought Stephen Wright back after suspension - with Liam Lawrence dropping to the bench.

The home side had the first chance in the fourth minute when defender Colin Murdock was left unmarked from a corner - but his header was cleared by Carl Robinson.

Crewe, who had conceded 11 goals in their last three games, were enjoying the better of the opening stages as Mark Rivers sent a shot high and wide.

Sunderland's response came from an unlikely source in defender George McCartney, whose fierce 25-yard strike was fumbled by Ben Williams before the goalkeeper gathered at the second attempt.

The visitors, beaten by three goals in 10 second-half minutes at Gresty Road last season despite dominating most of the game, were looking increasingly threatening.

Jeff Whitley and Michael Bridges combined to play in Marcus Stewart - but the Black Cats' top scorer fired over from distance.

Alex defender Stephen Foster sent a powerful header inches past the left-hand upright, before Robinson saw a close-range shot well-held by Williams at his near post.

Chances were at a premium at the start of the second half, and it took the introduction of Elliott and Arca to spark Sunderland into life.

Argentinian Arca, back on the bench after injury, jinked his way down the left-hand side and crossed from the byline for Elliott to slam the ball into the roof of the net.

Arca unleashed a speculative 25-yard effort which whistled over the bar from the next attack, and Steve Caldwell was closer with a well-struck shot shortly afterwards as Mick McCarthy's men looked to kill off Crewe.

An Arca corner was headed back across goal by Caldwell for Stewart, who snatched a shot straight at Williams - and Elliott had the ball in the net for the second time with three minutes remaining but was ruled offside.

Dead-ball specialist Kenny Lunt could not make a free-kick in a dangerous position count at the death as the Black Cats held on.

Teams:

Crewe Williams, Moss, Foster, Murdock, Tonkin, Lunt, Bell (White 85), Sorvel, Vaughan, Rivers (Steve Jones 67), Varney.

Subs Not Used: Cochrane, McCready, Wills.

Booked: Lunt, Bell, Varney.

Sunderland Myhre, Wright, Breen, Caldwell, McCartney, Whitehead, Whitley, Robinson, Thornton (Arca 57), Stewart (Brown 90), Bridges (Elliott 54).

Subs Not Used: Lawrence, Ingham.

Booked: Caldwell, Whitley, Whitehead.

Goals: Elliott 58.

Att: 7,949

Ref: L Probert (Gloucestershire).