Sunderland Reclaim Top Six Slot Ahead Of Derby Day
Sunderland made it three games unbeaten in the EFL Championship as the Vertu Motors-backed side moved back into the top six during the New Year period.
Having scored a first win under Michael Beale in the Boxing Day fixture at Hull, Sunderland headed for Rotherham in the final game of the year chasing three points against the bottom side in the division.
Rotherham kept Anthony Patterson busy in the first half as Sam Nombe had numerous chances to score, but the home side eventually hit the front shortly after half-time when Sam Clucas smashed in a stunning volley from the edge of the box.
Sunderland had chances to get back into the games but it took a wicked deflection off a shot from Jack Clarke to lead to the equaliser as the Black Cats grabbed a point.
The first game of 2024 saw Preston visit the Stadium of Light and the home fans had plenty of reason to cheer when Alex Pritchard smashed in his first goal of the season from well outside the box after ten minutes.
Both sides created chances but Ukrainian forward Nazariy Rusyn scored his first goal for the club just before half-time when he slid home a cross from Jack Clarke after good work down the left-hand side.
The win moved Sunderland back into the top six places ahead of a huge tie in the FA Cup third round, with Newcastle United the visitors.