Ross Stewart effort hands Sunderland victory at Stoke

Ross Stewart hit his third goal of the season as Sunderland defeated Stoke 1-0 to move into the Championship top six.

The visiting Black Cats spent the majority of the opening period in their own half and had to wait 24 minutes to register their first shot.

Jacob Brown forced a miraculous stop from Anthony Patterson while the lively Lewis Baker also went close for the dominant Potters.

However, it was Alex Neil’s side who snatched what proved to be an unassailable lead when Stewart struck moments before the interval.

Despite Stoke’s best efforts in the second period, they failed in their pursuit of a leveller and saw their winless run stretch to four games in all competitions.

Michael O’Neill’s outfit started promisingly, buoyed on by the arrival of Manchester City youngster Liam Delap who joined on a season-long loan in midweek.

The 19-year-old – son of Stoke icon and coach Rory Delap – threatened an early opener to mark his debut in style.

His strike partner Brown came close to converting a scintillating half-volley, but a backpedalling Sunderland stopper Patterson did tremendously to tip over.

An in-form Patterson was required to preserve the deadlock, frustrating both Brown and Lewis Baker in quick succession in a busy opening to the tie.

The Black Cats had their first shot shortly before the half hour mark when Ellis Simms fired marginally wide of the target from an acute angle.

Despite the home side’s domination in a one-sided first half, it was the visitors who took the lead moments before the whistle through their talismanic Scot.

Stewart latched onto a delightful Jack Clarke floated pass and raced through on goal before despatching beyond Joe Bursik, who could have done better on second viewing.

The Potters