Three goals in the final 13 minutes have given Sunderland a 3-0 victory over Birmingham City in the second round of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.
Sunderland dominated possession in the early stages, but found it difficult to create opportunities as Birmingham's stubborn defence made it tough for the visitors.
The returning Adam Johnson came close to setting up the opener on the half-hour mark with an inviting cross into the box to find Sebastian Larsson, who fired over the crossbar at the back post.
Connor Wickham then tried his luck from distance after being gifted space 25 yards from his goal, but his effort flew just over the bar.
However, it was Birmingham who came closest to breaking the deadlock just before the break when David Cotterill struck the post from inside the box.
Gus Poyet's men looked vulnerable to the counter-attack in the second half, but a lack of quality in the final third of the pitch saw both sides struggle to create chances.
Wickham wasted a great opportunity to finally break the deadlock in the 69th minute when Larsson's corner was drilled wide of the target by the young forward.
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The frustration was over 13 minutes from time as Jordi Gomez took full advantage of a yard of space to drill into the bottom corner from 25 yards and separate the two sides.
Birmingham came close to forcing extra time moments later, but Costel Pantilimon managed to push away Clayton Donaldson's volley to protect his side's lead.
Two goals in as many minutes secured the win for Sunderland as Johnson slotted home in the 87th minute following a fast counter-attack from the visitors, with Jozy Altidore being denied by Colin Doyle moments earlier.
Wickham then made it 3-0 in the 88th minute, firing in the goal which added a slightly unwarranted gloss to the scoreline following Emanuele Giaccherini's clever pass.
Callum Mulvihill
