How League One promotion picture has changed for Sunderland after Tuesday's results

In recent weeks, the top of League One has become extremely compact as each team has had spells of poor form. Sunderland have been one of the more consistent teams but they know that battle for play-off places is so keenly fought that one slip could cost them dearly.

The Black Cats played out a 0-0 draw with fellow top-six chasers Plymouth Argyle on Monday, meaning they would find themselves outside the play-off places if Sheffield Wednesday picked up three points against Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday evening. Darren Moore's side duly obliged, winning 1-0, courtesy of a Lee Gregory penalty.

That leaves Alex Neil's side in seventh place, behind Wycombe Wanderers on goal difference and only two points behind their most recent opponents, Plymouth. However, Sunderland have a game-in-hand over both those teams, meaning that a win could see them rise to fifth in the division.

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Meanwhile, MK Dons fell back in their pursuit of an automatic promotion place as they lost 1-0 to Oxford United, another side closely competing with Sunderland. In fact, Oxford have now moved to within two points of Sunderland, albeit having played a game more.

The top two also both dropped points on Tuesday evening, as Ipswich held title-chasing Wigan 2-2 at Portman Road. However, Will Keane's double moved the Lancashire side closer to a return to the Championship as Rotherham continued their poor form with a 2-0 away loss to Burton Albion.

Sunderland now go into their final three league fixtures in seven days, starting with Saturday's match against Cambridge United. They know that a play-off place is in their hands but there are sides poised to take advantage should they make any