Sunderland have beaten West Bromwich Albion 2-0 at the Stadium of Light to secure their place in the Premier League for another season.
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Ben Foster had to make an early save for the visitors when Fabio Borini tried to curl the ball into the top corner just eight minutes into the tie, but the keeper punched it away.
It was not long before Sunderland did take the lead though, as Jack Colback took his shot first time from a Marcos Alonso cross, smashing the ball past Foster.
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Colback tried to set up Connor Wickham for the second goal of the evening shortly after, but the in-form striker blasted the ball well high.
The home side did manage to double their advantage shortly before the break when Borini volleyed the ball in.
In the second half, Victor Anichebe had a chance to get West Brom, who also needed a point to make sure of their survival, back into contention, but his finish was just inches wide.
As they looked to put the win beyond doubt, Sunderland almost added a third, but Jozy Altidore could not turn the ball in from a Colback cross.
Vito Mannone was called into action in stoppage time as the Baggies looked for a late consolation, but the keeper made sure that he kept a clean sheet.
The result ensures that Sunderland cannot finish in the bottom three, while West Brom will have to wait until the weekend to put their risk of relegation beyond doubt, although they have a better goal difference than Norwich City.
Sian Cowper
