Maja nets the winner as Sunderland complete comeback victory over Bristol Rovers

Posted Sunday, December 16, 2018 by PA

Josh Maja struck again to keep Sunderland in touch with the top two in League One, sealing a 2-1 win over managerless Bristol Rovers.

Rovers, sitting in the relegation zone, lost for the eighth time in 10 games following Thursday’s departure of Darrell Clarke.

The visitors had stunned a freezing cold Stadium of Light by taking the lead in the 11th minute when Alex Rodman fired inside Jon McLaughlin’s near post after Sunderland failed to deal with a cross into the area.

Rovers had also threatened to score before that but Sunderland found their feet as the half wore on.

After a number of missed chances, full-back Adam Matthews headed in at the back post when Aiden McGeady’s saved effort dropped kindly to him in stoppage time before the break.

And within four minutes of the restart, Maja powered Sunderland ahead. He was on the end of a counter attack when he turned his marker in the area before beating goalkeeper Jack Bonham.

Max Power hit the bar and Chris Maguire crashed the rebound off the post as Sunderland, who went close to conceding late on when Stefan Payne hit the woodwork, looked to make the game safe.