Adam Johnson scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Stoke City as Sunderland climbed out of the relegation zone on Wednesday night.

The hosts started the better of the two teams and put Stoke onto the back foot from the first whistle with their high tempo play.

Johnson fired the hosts ahead in the 18th minute when Asmir Begovic pushed a Fabio Borini strike straight to the winger, who calmly slotted home the opening goal.

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In a first half that failed to produce many goalscoring opportunities, despite plenty of attacking intent from both sides, Ryan Shawcross missed a rare chance to pull Stoke level when Vito Mannone pushed the defender's header to safety.

Stoke were dealt a blow early in the second half when Steven N'Zonzi was shown a red card for a second bookable offence after bringing down Jozy Altidore.

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Sunderland looked dangerous after being handed the numerical advantage, with Johnson coming close to a second when he dragged a shot just wide from the corner of the box.

Begovic was then forced into action, tipping Sebastian Larsson's effort from the edge of the box to safety to prevent the hosts from doubling their lead.

Stoke struggled to cause much of a threat going forward in the closing stages as Sunderland made the 10 men work hard to stay in the game.

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The Potters managed to create one more opportunity in the closing stages but Shawcross was left frustrated again when his header rebounded off the crossbar.

Sunderland kept the away side quiet in stoppage time to earn all three points and move out of the relegation zone.