Resolute Sunderland win again

Posted Sunday, February 16, 2020 by PA

In-form Sunderland secured their seventh victory in nine games as another disciplined defensive display secured a 1-0 win over Oxford at the Kassam Stadium.

It was the Black Cats’ seventh clean sheet in their last eight matches and moved them within three points of League One leaders Rotherham.

Chris Maguire’s third-minute corner led to the only goal of the game as Jordan Willis flicked a header towards goal, though the last touch appeared to come off Oxford defender John Mousinho.

It stunned the hosts, who were playing with three centre-backs for the first time this season.

Sunderland continued to enjoy plenty of the ball, with Maguire prodding a 12-yard shot over the crossbar.

Oxford showed their intent at the start of the second with some sustained pressure.

Josh Ruffels had a 20-yard volley pushed over by visiting goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, and Dan Agyei threatened first with a shot that lacked power and then steered a diving header wide.

Ruffels also nodded a corner into the side-netting.

At the other end Charlie Wyke headed wide from seven yards, but Sunderland held on to their advantage.