Late Maguire winner sees Sunderland replace Ipswich in play-off spots

Posted Sunday, February 09, 2020 by PA

Chris Maguire netted an 81st-minute winner as Sunderland climbed above opponents Ipswich and back into the League One play-off spots with a 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.

The two former Premier League clubs were on course to record a goalless draw that would have seen the gap to the automatic promotion spots widen.

But Maguire dispatched a brilliant low finish late on – his 11th goal of the season – to secure the points that lifted Sunderland up to sixth and knocked Ipswich down to seventh on goal difference.

Ipswich, after losing their previous two games, had the better of the first half with striker Will Keane going the closest during the opening 45 minutes.

But Sunderland were much improved after the restart and had numerous chances to hit a winner.

Lynden Gooch, Charlie Wyke and Bailey Wright had gone close, with Gooch and Wright hitting the woodwork as Sunderland turned up the heat.

Just when it seemed time was running out, Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson introduced substitute Kyle Lafferty and it had the desired effect.

Less than two minutes later, Wyke rolled a pass across the edge of the penalty area where, after a little touch from Lafferty, Maguire was on hand to fire a first-time shot low inside goalkeeper Tomas Holy’s bottom-right corner.