SUNDERLAND found themselves in further disciplinary trouble when they had Welsh international John Oster sent off for a double booking at Filbert Street as they lost for the fourth time in five games.
The Wearsiders, already without four suspended players, were trailing to a 30th minute goal from City striker Dean Sturridge when Oster, cautioned just before half time, clashed with crowd favourite Robbie Savage and was shown a second yellow card before being ordered off in the 55th minute, protesting that his ooponent had made a meal of the challenge.
Depleted Sunderland were no match for a City side which took control of the proceedings and it was no surprise when striker Ade Akinbiyi forced the ball home in the 65th minute.
It was Sunderland's fifth Premiership game without a win and defender Darren Williams, who misses the next game against Aston Villa through suspension, picked up his sixth booking of the season.
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