Sunderland beat Wednesday to boost promotion bid

London: Sunderland stepped up their bid for promotion to the Premier League as Eliezer Mayenda sealed a 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday on Friday. Mayenda scored twice against Wednesday for the second time this season and once again his goals inspired a Sunderland victory.

This one came tinged with controversy after his contentious opener helped the Black Cats move within five points of second-placed Sheffield United, who face QPR on Saturday.

Mayenda opened the scoring after 34 minutes, but Wednesday claimed the Spaniard had controlled Leo Hjelde´s long ball with his arm before his scuffed effort was deflected into the net.

Chris Mepham´s indecision gifted Wednesday their lead as Callum Paterson headed home three minutes after half-time.

But Mayenda´s header from a Trai Hume cross in the 71st minute ensured Sunderland returned to winning ways after successive league defeats. The Owls´ third consecutive loss in the second tier was major blow to their play-off aspirations.