Baggies rue Dan’s red miss
Ballard 69, Neil 84
WEST BROM
Thomas-asante 86
MANAGERLESS Sunderland proved that there is life after Tony Mowbray with a first win in four to reignite their play-off push.
But the result left a bitter taste for the Baggies, who were furious that Dan Ballard was on the pitch to break the deadlock.
Ballard headed home Alex Pritchard’s free-kick for his third goal of the season.
Angry West Brom players felt the Northern Ireland star dodged a red card for a crude first-half challenge on Josh Maja, with the former Black Cats striker hobbling off the pitch in clear distress.
“Everyone can draw their own conclusions,” said Albion boss Carlos Corberan.
“I’m sorry for Josh who has only just come back.
“We’re all just hoping he is not going to be out for another long spell.
“As for the game, we did not defend at the level we had to.”
Dan Neil wrapped up the points with a dinked finish after being sent clear by Pritchard.
Sub Brandon Thomas-asante glanced home a consolation.
In the week brother Jude predicted Jobe Bellingham could succeed him as a Golden Boy winner, the 18-year-old had a 14th-minute goal ruled out.
Bellingham pounced at close range after Alex Palmer had spilled Adil Aouchiche’s shot.
The referee’s assistant raised his flag though replays suggested he was well onside.
Sunderland stepped it up in the second half with Aouchiche hitting the upright and Jack Clarke being denied by Palmer’s brilliant one-handed save.
“I’m a perfectionist and was not happy with our lack of control in the first half,” said interim boss Mike Dodds. SUNDERLAND: Patterson 6; Huggins 7, Ballard 7, O’nien 6, Hume 6; Neil 7, Ekwah 7; Roberts 8 (Mayenda (81) 5), Aouchiche 6 (Pritchard (62) 7), Clarke 7; Bellingham 6 WEST BROM: Palmer 6; Furlong 6, Bartley 7 (Ajayi (75) 5), Kipre 8, Townsend 7; Molumby 6 (Chalobah (61) 6), Mowatt 6; Diangana 6 (Thomas-asante (61) 7), Sarmiento 5, Maja 5 (Fellows (36) 6); Swift 6 (Pipa (75) 5) STAR MAN: Patrick Roberts – Full of tricks and attacking intent. REF: Darren Bond 5