AMAD DIALLO scored a sensational solo goal for Sunderland to help them beat Birmingham.
Striker Ellis Simms opened the scoring for the Black Cats on 25 minutes before Diallo doubled their lead after the break.
The Manchester United loanee got the ball on the right wing, cut in on his left foot and fired the ball into the top corner.
It was only Diallo’s second goal for Sunderland since arriving on loan from United.
Birmingham’s Lukas Jutkiewicz pulled one back with ten minutes to go but it proved too little too late.
After the game, Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray told Sky Sports: “I think this season we’ve scored some amazing goals and played some lovely football and dominated possession of a football match.
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“Generally we haven’t got the rewards that we feel that we deserved.
“Possibly because we were without strikers, but today was an other side of the coin having to dig in particularly late on there.
“We know how – not direct they are – they’re 23rd for possession I think you said before the game, that they’re not really bothered about possession.
“They get the ball in your half and ask questions of you.
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“I know Juktk [Lukas Jutkiewicz], I signed him lots of years ago for Middlesbrough.
“He came on with Deeney out there and Hogan, it was a real problem for us.
“I feel bar the two centre-halves and when Ellis is on, we seem to be five foot six all over the pitch.
“We were hanging on a little bit but brilliant that people were putting their bodies on the lines. Goalie is an amazing goalkeeper for such a young boy – he is brilliant, brilliant temperament.
“The fact that they dug in and collectively, together they showed what spirit they’ve got. I have to mention the fans.
“Isn’t it amazing that we’ve been in football such a long time and how many people travel and watch this football team?
“It’s just great when you can give them something to cheer about and be happy on their journey home. Delighted for the football, team the fans and the club.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk