Substitute Niall Ennis marked his return to action with an extra-time winner as Stoke City defeated Sunderland 2-1 in a dramatic all-Championship FA Cup third-round tie at the Stadium of Light.
Ennis capitalised on a defensive lapse from Sunderland to net his first goal in 11 months, securing a first victory for new Stoke manager Mark Robins. The result sends the Potters into the fourth round while extending Sunderland’s poor FA Cup record.
Earlier, Tom Cannon had given Stoke an early lead from the penalty spot after a defensive mix-up saw Luke O’Nien foul Lewis Koumas. The Black Cats equalised in the second half through Milan Aleksic, whose composed finish was his first goal in English football. Despite Sunderland’s late chances to win it in normal time, Ennis’ extra-time strike proved decisive.
“We deserved the equaliser and we could have probably won before full-time, but it wasn’t the case,” Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris told reporters. “In extra time, both teams were tired and that led to a mistake from us.”
Robins’ Tactical Approach Pays Off
Stoke’s victory highlighted a disciplined performance under Robins, whose side controlled large parts of the first half after being gifted the lead. Cannon’s penalty, his 11th goal of the season, punished Sunderland’s early disorganisation as the Black Cats struggled to find rhythm following five changes to their lineup.
Sunderland, however, grew into the game after the break, with Aleksic’s well-taken equaliser following a precise through ball from Adil Aouchiche. The home side pressed for a winner, with Eliezer Mayenda narrowly missing the target and Potters goalkeeper Viktor Johansson denying Aouchiche and Aaron Connolly in key moments.
Ennis Delivers in Extra Time
As the game stretched into extra time, Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch and Aouchiche both came close, with the latter squandering a golden chance after a surging run from Mayenda. However, it was Stoke who found the breakthrough when Ennis seized on a loose ball in midfield, rounded goalkeeper Simon Moore, and calmly slotted home.
Ennis, playing his first match since November, delivered a clinical finish that ended Sunderland’s hopes of progressing. The result also continues Sunderland’s struggles in the FA Cup, with the Wearside club failing to win any of their last nine home ties in the competition and only reaching the fourth round once in a decade.
Writer’s View
This match showcased the resilience of both teams, but Stoke’s experience under pressure shone through. Ennis’ winner underscores the value of sharp decision-making in high-stakes moments, a hallmark of Robins’ managerial influence. For Sunderland, their lack of cutting edge in front of goal and defensive errors proved costly, reflecting a need for greater consistency in knockout competitions.
