Crewe 0-1 Sunderland

Sunderland goalscorer Stephen Elliott sealed the win

Sunderland kept up the pressure at the top of the Championship with a hard-fought win at battling Crewe.

Substitute Stephen Elliott headed home Julio Arca's cross in the 58th minute to earn Mick McCarthy's side the win.

Carl Robinson headed over from six yards for the visitors on 79 minutes as Sunderland looked to seal the game.

Crewe pressed late on as Sunderland looked nervous, but they rarely made a serious threat, Kenny Lunt wasting their best chance with a free-kick.

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Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy (on substitutes Julio Arca and goalscorer Stephen Elliott):
"The two lads have not been in the starting line-up recently because they have been injured.

"But it wasn't a gamble putting them on. They are both good players and I knew what they could do.

"It was a good win because Crewe played better than they have in recent games - I know because I have watched them."

Crewe boss Dario Gradi:
"That was much better.We looked a proper side with a much better balance and more disciplined defending.

"That was a big improvement from us. The attitude and spirit was fantastic. Hopefully that will give us some encouragement to push on.

"We still have a lot to do. We have some hard games coming up but we still have a chance."

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Crewe: Williams, Moss, Foster, Murdock, Tonkin, Lunt, Bell (White 85), Sorvel, Vaughan, Rivers (Steve Jones 67), Varney.
Subs Not Used: Cochrane, McCready, Wills.

Booked: Lunt, Bell, Varney.

Sunderland: Myhre, Wright, Breen, Caldwell, McCartney, Whitehead, Whitley, Robinson, Thornton (Arca 57), Stewart (Brown 90), Bridges (Elliott 54).
Subs Not Used: Lawrence, Ingham.

Booked: Caldwell, Whitley, Whitehead.

Goals: Elliott 58.

Att: 7,949

Ref: L Probert (Gloucestershire).