SUNDERLAND
A CONTROVERSIAL but potentially precious goal from Bolton’s Zach Clough added to Chris Coleman’s miserable week at the Macron Stadium last night.
After winning just one of his 16 games in charge, Coleman questioned his players’ desire, and that of owner Ellis Short, on the eve of this relegation tussle, but at least his slumping stars made a decent attempt to get back on level terms.
Sunderland’s woe deepened after just 16 minutes when they conceded the winning goal in a defeat that leaves them bottom of the table.
In keeping with their current woes, it was a controversial goal, as Clough ghosted in at the near post to attempt a connection on a threatening free-kick from Filipe Morais.
Goalkeeper Lee Camp should have done better but could only help the ball into his own net with some uncertain handling, although the visitors complained bitterly that Clough had steered the ball in with his arm.
It was the Bolton striker’s first goal since returning to his the club on deadline day on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest. And after a run of just one win from their last six league games, it handed Phil Parkinson’s side three much-needed points.
Sunderland had at least started brightly, with a strong run and cross from Ashley Fletcher which flashed through the six-yard area.
But it was not long before the Black Cats began to show the sort of terrible form that had Coleman offering his frank analysis of his club.
Six minutes after the opener, striker Sammy Ameobi might have doubled the lead but he headed directly at Camp. And when Sunderland did carve out their first real opening on the half hour, with Paddy McNair playing Fletcher through, the striker’s shot was well saved by Ben Alnwick.
That was the start of a strong Sunderland spell with McNair’s low shot well held by Alnwick, Fletcher having a shot deflected wide and David Wheater clearing a scrambled McNair effort off the line.
Sunderland carried on after the interval with Billy Jones