Sunderland 3-1 AFC Wimbledon: Chris Maguire hat-trick lifts Black Cats

Chris Maguire's hat-trick secured Sunderland's third League One win in a row with a 3-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon in front of proposed new owners at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats' prospective new owners Glenn Fuhrman, John Phelan and Robert Platek - the Principals of MSD Partners LP - were all inside the Wearside ground to watch Maguire's treble seal the points.

Sunderland could have won by a greater margin but had to wait for Maguire's two second-half goals, after his eighth minute opener was cancelled out by Kwesi Appiah in the 34th minute, to secure the win.

Sunderland took the early lead when Maguire, who had a couple of other decent efforts from distance that went wide, latched on to a long ball and lobbed goalkeeper Nathan Trott.

Wimbledon levelled when right-back Luke O'Neill's cross was misjudged by the Black Cats defence and Appiah was on hand to head in from close range.

Sunderland created plenty chances but were wasteful until Maguire's deflected drive through a crowded area put them ahead again eight minutes after the break. He headed in the third to make sure of the win from Luke O'Nien's cross 11 minutes from time.