Former Cork City striker Sean Maguire put Alex Neil's on track with his seventh goal in as many matches five minutes after the break. With time running out for both teams for contrasting reasons it was a fixture carrying plenty significance and Sunderland started the brighter, with teenagers Joel Asoro and Josh Maja lively in attack. The best two of the opening half arrived in quick succession and one at either end of the pitch. But Preston soon took control after the restart when Sunderland's defensive weaknesses were exposed once again. The Sunderland fans started to depart early, those that stayed greeted the final whistle with boos.

Source: Evening echo March 17, 2018 17:48 UTC