Marcus Stewart’s 43rd minute strike gave Mick McCarthy’s Sunderland side all three points against ten men Walsall at the Stadium of Light. It was Walsall’s fifth defeat in seven away trips this season and leaves the Saddlers in 19th position.
Without injured skipper Paul Merson, Colin Lee gave a debut to on loan full back Jamie Vincent in place of Zigor Aranalde whilst Gary Birch and Darren Bazeley were recalled to the starting line up.
Sunderland dominated the first half but were restricted to long range efforts from George McCartney, Jeff Whitley and Colin Healy. Kevin Kyle headed wide before Stewart made it 1-0. Paul Ritchie was caught out of position after winning a tackle and the former Ipswich striker cut inside Danny Hay before firing left footed past Walker.
It went from bad to worse moments later when Chris Baird was sent off. The on loan full back has endured horrific luck during his time at Bescot with the red card following an own goal at Watford and the concession of a penalty against Gillingham. Baird was harshly adjudged by the referee to have fouled winger John Oster on the edge of the area and was promptly dismissed. TV replays later showed that Baird won the ball and – thanks to the presence of debutant Jamie Vincent – was not the last defender. Thankfully the free kick came to nothing.
Playing 4-4-1, the Saddlers were unable to force an equaliser after the break although Gary Birch twice came close. At the other end Tommy smith and Stewart were dangerous on the break for the Black Cats.