Sunderland beat Middlesbrough to boost promotion hopes

London, 4 Feb  - Sunderland beat local rivals Middlesbrough 3-2 in a Monday night thriller to move to within three points of the Championship's automatic promotion places.

Ryan Giles' unfortunate own goal settled the Tees-Wear derby in favour of the visitors and dealt a blow to Boro's push for the playoffs.

Delano Burgzorg gave the home side the perfect start after 11 minutes with cool finish from Hayden Hackney's pass.

Dan Neil's deflected equaliser levelled before half-time for Sunderland, who then went in front Wilson Isidor rounded Mark Travers to slot home.

Hackney responded once more for Michael Carrick's men with a blistering strike on the hour mark.

But Sunderland secured their first league double over Middlesbrough in 63 years when Giles turned Enzo Le Fee's cross into his own net.

The Black Cats remain in fourth but move level on points with third-placed Burnley and within striking distance of Sheffield United in second.

Defeat leaves seventh-placed Boro still outside the playoffs on goal difference.BSS