West Bromwich Albion vs Sunderland. Sky Bet Championship.
The HawthornsAttendance24,764.
West Brom 1-2 Sunderland: Tony Mowbray's side up to sixth after stunning comeback victory
Report and free match highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between West Brom and Sunderland at The Hawthorns; Dennis Cirkin scored second-half double for Black Cats after John Swift had put Albion ahead from the penalty spot immediately before half-time
Sunday 23 April 2023 15:07, UK
Sunderland produced a stunning second-half comeback as Dennis Cirkin's double secured a 2-1 victory at play-off rivals West Brom.
The 21-year-old struck twice to end Albion's 12-match unbeaten home league run after John Swift had put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot immediately before half-time.
It was a real end-to-end affair, especially in the second half, before Sunderland sealed the win in the 84th minute to extend their unbeaten streak to seven matches and move up to a play-off berth in sixth place in the Championship with two games remaining.
West Brom, who have three matches left, stay ninth in the table on 63 points, two behind Sunderland.
How Sunderland stunned West Brom...
West Brom, backed by a noisy crowd, started brightly. Jed Wallace crossed low into the box but Jayson Molumby mis-kicked at the near post and Sunderland cleared their lines.
Trending
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Should Rashford leave Man Utd? Have your say!
- Amorim: Man Utd are better with Rashford
- World Darts Championship schedule: Aspinall in action on Wednesday
- Arsenal, Spurs, Man Utd, Newcastle all live on Sky - Why they need to win Carabao Cup
- What next for Rashford: Spain? Italy? France? Or stay at Man Utd?
- Chelsea latest: Maresca reveals plans for Mudryk January replacement
- Usyk vs Fury 2: Start time, ring walks, undercard and odds
- Man Utd latest: I want to get Rashford back to his best - Amorim
- Fury: I took Usyk's best shots, now he'll feel the wrath!
- Maresca: I believe Mudryk is innocent and we trust him
Albion fans called for a penalty when Molumby went sprawling after being caught by a challenge from Abdoullah Ba, but referee John Busby was unmoved.
It was Sunderland, however, who created the first chance when Joe Gelhardt's volley was deflected over the bar off Molumby following a corner.
Sunderland were denied again when Gelhardt cut in from the left and his curling shot was heading for goal until goalkeeper Alex Palmer, at full stretch, stuck out a hand to tip it behind.
The game turned in the 45th minute. Albion took the lead after Luke O'Nien brought down Swift just inside the box for a clear penalty. Swift stepped up and calmly rolled the spot-kick low down the middle, comfortably beating Anthony Patterson, who dived left.
In an electric start to the second half, Albion had shots from five different players blocked in the same attack before Sunderland equalised in the 51st minute.
Molumby, Karlan Grant, Conor Townsend, Darnell Furlong and Swift were all foiled in quick succession. Cirkin headed Sunderland level after Lynden Gooch somehow squeezed in a cross despite the close attentions of Townsend and Grant.
Albion appealed for another penalty when Semi Ajayi went down after O'Nien pulled his shirt, but the referee waved play on.
The home side went close when Townsend's firm header was pushed over the bar by Patterson from Swift's corner.
Albion had the ball in the net when Okay Yokuslu smashed home a volley but the assistant's flag had gone up after the ball went out of play.
Cirkin grabbed his and Sunderland's second goal in the 84th minute. The left-back controlled and finished neatly all in one movement after substitutes Edouard Michut and Alex Pritchard combined.
Albion had yet another penalty appeal rejected for a push on Townsend as he headed wide, before substitute Taylor Gardner-Hickman twice fired wide and Mo Faal shot straight at Patterson.
What's next?
West Brom travel to Sheffield United on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 8pm.
Meanwhile, Sunderland host Watford next Saturday; kick-off 3pm.
10 IN 10 ON SKY SPORTS! - 10 live Championship games in 10 days
Monday April 24
Luton vs Middlesbrough, 8pm - Live on Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports app
Tuesday April 25
Blackburn vs Burnley, 8pm - Live on Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports app
Wednesday April 26
Sheffield United vs West Brom, 8pm - Live on Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports app
Thursday April 27
Rotherham vs Cardiff, 8pm - Live on Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports app
Friday April 28
Blackpool vs Millwall, 8pm - Live on Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports app
Saturday April 29
West Brom vs Norwich, 5.30pm - Live on Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports app
Sunday April 30
Cardiff vs Huddersfield, 12pm - Live on Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports app
Monday May 1
Blackburn vs Luton, 5.30pm - Live on Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports app
Monday May 8
Championship final day, 3pm
Saturday May 27
Championship play-off final, 5.30pm