Report: Sunderland 2 Luton 1 – Advantage Black Cats
Sunderland come from behind to take a first leg lead back to Kenilworth Road.
Sunderland produced a fine second half performance to ensure they head to Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night with a lead after a 2-1 win over Luton at the Stadium of Light.
A stunning goal from Amad Diallo was followed up by Trai Hume in the second half, those goals coming after Elijah Adebayo had given the visitors the lead.
Sunderland were the side that crept into the play-offs on the final day of the season following a strong end to the regular campaign which saw them go unbeaten in their final nine games.
Set-Pieces have been a strong point for Luton this season and they took the lead just 11 minutes into the contest. Sunderland failed to deal with a corner into the box and Adebayo was on hand to thunder Luton in front – that coming after Black Cats keeper Anthony Patterson had made a fine stop to deny Alfie Doughty.
Luton had the chance to double their lead midway through the half, Jordan Clark finding Adebayo but Hume made a great block to deny the Luton forward. He then dragged a shot wide as the chances came and went for the visitors.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, who has won promotion from the National League all the way to the Championship with Luton was punished for a foul on Patrick Roberts as Amad curled home a stunning strike after a quick and smart routine with Alex Pritchard.
The goal changed the momentum of the contest. Sunderland came out in the second half with the bit between their teeth and Leeds loanee Joe Gelhardt fired wide after being sent through by Pritchard.
In the 63rd minute, Sunderland’s dominance paid off. Hume headed in Jack Clarke’s cross to put the hosts in front.
From that point onwards Luton struggled to get back into the contest. Although, Carlton Morris fired an effort over and Mpanzu saw a shot blocked in stoppage time.
It all means that it’s advantage Sunderland heading into the second leg at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.
Image: Sunderland FC