Posh retain five point cushion as promotion rivals Sunderland falter at Wigan

The fixture at the DW Stadium was Sunderland’s game in-hand over Posh but they were unable to make up any of the five points they sat behind Darren Ferguson’s side before kick-off courtesy of a 2-1 defeat on the night.

The Black Cats had led after Charlie Wyke scored his 23rd league goal of the season from an Aiden McGeady cross but the hosts hit back in the first half through Will Keane as Sunderland failed to clear their lines from a corner.

The all important winner came from the Latics top scorer Callum Lang in the 58th minute as he made his return from injury after missing Saturday’s 4-1 away at Doncaster. He was again aided by poor Sunderland defending.

The result means that Posh and Sunderland have now both played 40 games with Posh holding a five point lead (76 to 71) and with a four goal superior goal difference.

The result also sees Wigan leapfrog Friday’s opponents Northampton into 20th position and sent the Cobblers into the relegation zone.

AFC Wimbledon’s win 3-0 over 10-man Ipswich also confirmed Northampton’s position in the relegation zone heading into the derby at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Elsewhere in League One, Portsmouth also dropped points in the promotion race with a 0-0 draw away at Crewe.

Brennan Johnson’s hattrick saw Lincoln beat MK Dons 4-0 and move up to fourth. Blackpool were held 0-0 by Accrington and Oxford kept themselves in play-off contention with a 4-1 home win over Shrewsbury.

At the bottom, Burton all but confirmed thier safety with a 3-0 win away at Doncaster and Swindon’s survival hopes were dealt a blow with a 2-1 loss away at Rochdale.