West Brom 1-2 Sunderland - Baggies beaten by play-off rivals with Dennis Cirkin double

Dennis Cirkin has now scored five goals this season, of which the past three have come in successive away gamesImage source, Clive Mason - Getty Images
Image caption,

Dennis Cirkin has now scored five goals this season, of which the past three have come in successive away games

Tony Mowbray's Sunderland climbed into the Championship top six as they came from behind to beat West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

John Swift's first-half penalty on the stroke of half-time gave Albion a just about deserved interval lead.

But Lynden Gooch crossed for Dennis Cirkin to power in a header for the equaliser five minutes after the restart.

The Sunderland left-wing-back then waltzed his way into the Albion box to cap a fine team move and score again for a match-winning second six minutes from time.

It ended a six-month unbeaten home run for Albion, who had not lost in 13 games at The Hawthorns since Corberan's first home game in charge in late October.

It was a role reversal from Albion's 2-1 victory at Sunderland in December when they were the ones to trail to a first-half penalty but turned it round to win.

That was the night Albion escaped the relegation zone - to put some perspective on the revival they have since enjoyed under Corberan.

And, although they drop to ninth, they are still only two points shy of the play-off places and have a game in hand, coming up this Wednesday.

But it is at Bramall Lane, against second-placed Sheffield United, who will be promoted if they win - and the reality is that, over the 90 minutes against Sunderland, they were beaten by the better side.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

John Swift's spot-kick was his seventh goal of the season, of which the past three have all been penalties

After a tumultuous reception from the home fans in the 24,764 crowd, who put down their protest banners to concentrate on motivating their team, Albion made an electric start.

They had one early penalty claim dismissed when Jayson Molumby was challenged by Abdoullah Ba.

But, while that was turned down by referee John Busby, he was more generous just before the break when Swift went down after a brush with Luke O'Nien.

Swift fired home for his sixth league goal of the season, all of which since the turn of the year have been penalties - and Albion seemed on their way to satisfying one of their biggest crowds of the season.

But it was the 1,981 travelling Wearsiders who ended up with most to shout about.

Cirkin's header six minutes after the break levelled the contest. And, although Albion did go close in one second-half skirmish when they had seven shots blocked, one after another, skilful Sunderland always looked a threat.

And they won it when substitutes Edouard Michut and Alex Pritchard combined and Cirkin, having arrived in the box, controlled a pass, took the ball on and lifted a neat finish over Albion keeper Alex Palmer.

Who's next?

After Wednesday's trip to Sheffield United, Albion now face a Saturday teatime clash at home to Norwich City, followed by a final-day Monday trip to Swansea.

Sunderland's final home game next Saturday is against Watford. They are also away on the final Monday, at Preston.

West Bromwich Albion head coach Carlos Corberan:

"I knew how hard it would be to face Sunderland as they are so comfortable on the ball.

"They were more clinical where it counts, in the penalty area. But you could not fault my players' desire and commitment. The players put everything in to win the game.

"And three points to our fans, who have been magnificent again.

"We now have another game coming up and another chance of three points against a quality team."

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray:

"We've had some great away days this season - and this was another one.

"We were brave on the ball. It's nice to see so many of our young lads trying to play football the right way.

"We controlled the game for long periods. And you can see they're enjoying it.

"This is a good football team with real talent. If you preach the right messages to them, then they get it."

Sorry, we can't display this part of the article any more.

Related Internet Links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.