Stewart scores again as Sunderland deny Blackpool

Ross Stewart’s sixth goal in five games helped Sunderland secure a point at struggling Blackpool, who had Callum Connolly sent off late on.

Shayne Lavery opened the scoring for Blackpool in the first half when he galloped onto a pass from CJ Hamilton and fired past Anthony Patterson.

Amad Diallo hit the crossbar, as did Stewart before his leveller, and it proved a nervy finish for the 10-man Seasiders once Connolly went off for a second bookable offence in added time.

Tony Mowbray’s Sunderland remain in the top six, while Blackpool are now third from bottom.

There was already plenty of goalscoring burden on Stewart before Ellis Simms’ recall by Everton this week, but the ‘Loch Ness Drogba’ continued to rise to the challenge.

However, the turning point for Mowbray in terms of a promotion bid could be whether the owners can brace themselves for the potential interest in Stewart which may follow in January.

Another positive for Sunderland has been their ability to achieve results without chief playmaker Alex Pritchard, as Diallo proved a useful foil and creative outlet in this hard-earned draw.

Defeats for fellow strugglers Huddersfield, Rotherham and Cardiff meant a draw was a useful result for Blackpool against a side at the other end of the table.

Ian Poveda was a bright spot for Blackpool throughout, drawing a number of fouls from Sunderland, while Lavery showed poise with his finish.