Super-sub Simms hits stoppage-time winner to see Sunderland past Blackburn

Ellis Simms came off the bench to score in second half stoppage-time and earn Sunderland a 2-1 win over Blackburn at the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day.

Ross Stewart had scored a penalty to level the game three minutes after his unfortunate own goal handed Rovers the lead.

Simms, however, replaced Patrick Roberts after 80 minutes and scored what proved to be a dramatic winner with a composed finish from 12 yards out.

The result means Tony Mowbray's men climb to seventh, one point outside the play-off places, ahead of the remainder of the Boxing Day action, with Blackburn unable to close in on second-placed Sheffield United.

How Sunderland strengthened their top-six bid

Sunderland mounted a spell of sustained pressure after a relatively open start in front of a 43,000-strong crowd on Wearside, but it counted for nothing when Blackburn took the lead very much against the run of play. It was, perhaps, written in the stars, with ex-Rovers boss Mowbray having lost each of his last three league games against sides he'd previously managed.

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Ross Stewart's own goal gifts Blackburn the lead at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland.

Tyler Morton's free-kick caused panic in the box, with Stewart's attempted headed clearance hitting Dennis Cirkin, then ricocheting back onto his own head and past Nathan Patterson.

however within three minutes the Black Cats had deservedly pulled level. Stewart used his experience to draw a foul from John Buckley in the box and duly dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom left corner with the perfect combination of power and placement.

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Having scored an own goal Ross Stewart makes amends from the penalty spot three minutes later

There was a lack of quality in the final third from both sides as the game progressed. Stewart fired straight at Thomas Kaminski in the Blackburn goal when it looked as though it may have been easier to score, while at the other end Patterson produced a sublime stop to push Morton's finessed effort round the post.

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Elis Simms wins it for Sunderland as he makes it 2-1 against Blackburn in stoppage time.

Just as it looked as though the points would be shared, Simms received the ball with his back to goal, took one touch with the outside of his right boot to control it and then did the same thing to roll home the winner.

Player of the match - Ross Stewart

What's next?

Both teams are back in action at 7.45pm on Thursday December 29. Sunderland travel to the DW Stadium to face Wigan, while Blackburn host Middlesbrough at Ewood Park.

Both matches will be available to watch live on Sky Sports Football Red Button - find out how to watch here.

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This news item was provided by the SkySports | News website - the original link is: https://www.skysports.com/football/sunderland-vs-blackburn-rovers/report/468110