Sunderland built on their midweek cup success at Sheff Utd with a tight win over MK Dons at the Stadium of Light. The result relieves some of the pressure on manager Jack Ross.

They started this game well but were unable to take advantage of their early opportunities with Charlie Wyke and Chris Maguire both threatening. However with 25 minutes on the clock they finally got their breakthrough.

Max Power was the man to deliver it with another thunderous strike from 25 yards out after Wyke’s smart lay off. The Wearsiders thought they had doubled their lead just a minute later but Luke O’Nien saw his close range header come back off the post.

The same player was to be denied moments later when Lee Nicholls reacted brilliantly to keep out his close range header. However it was third time lucky for O’Nien when he chipped keeper Nicholls and despite the best efforts off defender Regan Poole the ball found it’s way over the line.

This saw the Wearsiders two to the good inside the opening half hour but despite dominating the rest of the half they were unable to add to their lead.

They were to be punished for this moments into the second half when the visitors pulled one back. George Williams was the man to strike when he bundled home Connor McGrandles low cross.

From here it was a back’s to the wall job for the hosts as MK Dons piled on the pressure. Although this was all to be in vain as the equaliser just wouldn’t arrive and Sunderland held on for the victory.

It was a huge result for under the under fire Jack Ross and may well silence his doubters for another couple of weeks. Although the Scot will know that the run of positive results must continue to keep fans happy.

The Black Cats do however have a decent run of momentum behind them and will be looking to continue this when they visit Lincoln City next weekend.