Sunderland continued their promising start to the season, disposing of a poor Swindon Town side at the County Ground. 

Goals from Charlie Wyke and ensure Sunderland end the night in the playoff places, however an injury picked up by Jordan Willis means Sunderland only have one fit centre back at the club. 

  • Story of the game

It was a tepid start to the game. Swindon were having more of the ball early on but were unable to test Sunderland's defence who came into the game having only conceded one all season. 

Sunderland had a succession of corners early on, however Chris Maguire was unable to pick out any of teammates and Swindon cleared easily. 

A worry for Sunderland will be Jordan Willis' injury. The former Coventry man, who has impressed alongside Bailey Wright being forced off after twelve minutes. 

The injury didn't seem to affect Sunderland, who remained untroubled at the back, with most of the play being towards Swindon's goal. 

The closest Sunderland came early on was in the 17th minute. Grant Leadbitter with an ambitious deadball effort from the halfway line which Matej Kovar in the Swindon goal had to turn round the post. 

They deserved to lead and did after 37 minutes. A throw in on the left came to Lyndon Gooch who seemed to have all the time in the world to swing a cross in. Wyke was there to calmy sidefoot volley it under Kovar. It was hurrendous defending from Swindon who's defenders were just statues, watching Wyke put it in.

It was well taken and reflected Sunderland's dominance of the half. They had most of the possession and chances in the half. Phil Parkinson will have been pleased with his sides work. 

Jordan Willis came out to watch the second half on crutches which will have done nothing to lessen Sunderland fans fears. 

As for on the pitch, Swindon came out much improved, looking to test Sunderland's makeshift defence. It nearly worked, they had a penalty shout after 48 minutes. Forward Jack Payne managed to turn Luke O'Nein and went to ground but the referee was having none of it. 

Sunderland however had more luck minutes later. Leadbitter released Maguire down the right. The Scot cut inside and was taken to ground by full back Jonathan Grounds. Maguire picked himself up to convert the penalty straight down the middle to make the scoreline more comfortable. 

Despite the setback Swindon continued with their promising start. Jack Payne from a free kick, whipping a delicious ball in but defender Mathieu Baudry was only able to head past the post from eight yards. 

That was the last of the Swindon chances as both teams accepted the result, Sunderland were happy with the two and their efforts were mainly from set pieces and long distance. Max Power connected with a Leadbitter freekick but Kovar was easily able to gather. 

The game fizzled out as Sunderland cruised to another impressive win taking them up to fourth. 

  • Man of the match 

Grant Leadbitter- There was a air of doubt around Leadbitter. Some thought he was past it and with all that had happened in his life he would take a back seat. However he has showed great character to come back and have an impact. Today he might not have scored or assisted but his calmness and passing ability meant Sunderland were able to seal the win. His experience will be key if Sunderland are to get promotion 

  • Takeaways

Another Professional Sunderland performance

While Sunderland fans are still divided over Phil Parkinson's style of football but there is no doubting that Sunderland are playing well. At the back they look solid and going forward Maguire and Gooch look a threat. Wyke getting another goal will please Parkinson, who is in need of one of his strikers to step up and carry the team.   

  • Teams 

Swindon XI: Kovar (GK), Hunt (Stevens, 46), Odimayo, Baudry, Grounds, Donohue, M Smith, Grant, Jaiyesimi (J Smith, 46) ,Payne, T Smith (Hope, 58)

Subs: Fryer (GK), Curran, Caddis, Grant

Sunderland XI: Burge (GK), O'Nein, Willis (Diamond, 12), Wright, McLaughlin, Scowen, Leadbitter, Power (C), Gooch, Maguire (O'Brien, 89), Wyke

Subs: Mathews (GK), Dobson, Graham, Grigg, Younger 

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