Image source, PA

And after those words from matchwinner Chris Maguire, we'll leave you with this picture of his stunning volley.

That's what separates these two sides going into Thursday night's second leg at Fratton Park.

We'll of course have full live coverage of that game and all the other remaining play-off fixtures here on BBC Sport throughout the coming days and weeks.

Until next time, thanks for being with us.

Here's the early take on that first leg from the Stadium of Light.

Chris Maguire the super sub for Sunderland, but could they have put the tie out of Portsmouth's sight?

Image source, Rex Features

The play-off juggernaut shows no sign of slowing up this weekend as we're back with more action on Sunday.

Two more ties taking place, including the first leg of the other League One semi-final between Doncaster Rovers and Charlton Athletic from midday.

Then in the early evening, we're back in League Two action as Mansfield Town and Newport County resume battle for the second leg of their semi-final with the scores locked at 1-1 from Thursday's first leg.

We'll have all the build-up from 18:00 BST.

Alan McLoughlin
Former Portsmouth midfielder on BBC Radio Solent

A pretty flat performance for me tonight.

I've seen Pompey play with much more freedom and purpose than that this season, but there's still a lot to play for.

It's only half-time. At Wembley, Sunderland were far the better team in that Checkatrade Final after 45 minutes but Portsmouth came back with an answer.

Will it be more of the same on Thursday?

Image source, PA

That's your lot for this first leg.

Sunderland take the 1-0 advantage to Fratton Park on Thursday.

This was far from a classic, but I'm not sure Sunderland fans will care too much.

A tame end to this first leg really.

Expected more from Portsmouth after Ozturk was sent off for Sunderland.

How significant will Pompey's lack of cutting edge prove come the end of the second leg on Thursday?

Time ticking away for Portsmouth to find the leveller.

Sunderland looking to keep them well clear of goal and clear to touch and keep it simple.

Image source, Rex Features

Sunderland have done very well to frustrate Portsmouth here after going down to 10 men.

There's been hardly any chance for the visitors to get things going and they've also given away needless free-kicks.

Five minutes to be added on.

Kyle: This would be a massive win for Sunderland but these two sides are so evenly matched it wouldn't surprise me if this tie went to extra-time or penalties after the second leg, especially as away goals don't count in the play-offs.

Sunderland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin punches a Gareth Evans corner clear and then is there in time before the return ball can find Christian Burgess on the stretch.

Again, a lack of quality in the final third letting Portsmouth down.

It's all gone strangely sedate again, very much like the first half.

Sunderland happy to invite Portsmouth on to them and hold a shape which sees the visitors have to go long.

Closing stages now of this first leg and Portsmouth continue to look to hit Sunderland on the break.

Minutes ticking away, but as I said, how much do they want to bust a gut to find a leveller and potentially leave themselves isolated at the back and vulnerable to a second goal?

Close again for Sunderland and Chris Maguire.

A shot from the Scotsman as he drives forward hits the outside of the base of the left post.

A real daisy-cutter there which may well have still been covered by Craig MacGillivray stretching to his right.

His goal remains the difference between the two sides.

Image source, Rex Features

Slight dip in the rhythm again of this one as Sunderland seem happy to let it break up a bit now they're a man light.

Will Portsmouth be bold or try and hold the tie at just 1-0 going into Thursday's second leg?

Where was all this intensity for the first 60 minutes?

It's gone up a level on the pitch and in the crowd too as Bryan Oviedo nearly breaks clear for Sunderland after pressure by Chris Maguire.

Portsmouth close again!

Corner from the right from Evans bundles around the Sunderland box and finally breaks to Omar Bogle, but Sunderland have players back in the goalmouth to clear.

Following corner nearly falls to Matt Clarke to nod in. Breathless all of a sudden.

Image source, Rex Features

So close to an equaliser for Portsmouth from the free-kick that followed that red card.

His right-foot strike rattles the crossbar!

Double change for Portsmouth in response to going behind, which was planned even before that Ozturk red card.

Viv Solomon-Otabor and Omar Bogle on for Ollie Hawkins and Ronan Curtis.

Sunderland bring on James Dunne for Lynden Gooch as they reorganise.

Image source, Rex Features

Well now!

How will this change things?

Portsmouth launched a counter through Matt Clarke and Gareth Evans and as Evans tried to run on to the ball in the area, Alim Ozturk lunged in and brought him down just outside the box.

Andy Woolmer reaches straight to his pocket and sends the defender off.

Sunderland now down to 10 men.