Sunderland moved into pole position for an automatic promotion spot yesterday, courtesy of a 2-1 win against Walsall at the Stadium of Light.

They're still third in the table, but now have a two point gap to close and a game in hand over Barnsley, who drew 0-0 with Doncaster on Friday night.

Jack Ross saw his side go 1-0 down in their fixture, but bounce back with goals from Lee Cattermole and Will Grigg. The latter's strike came after a lay off from summer signing Charlie Wyke, who has struggled to make an impact.

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The 26-year-old has scored once in the league for his side this season, that coming on his debut in September. His performance yesterday has certainly delighted his manager, who declared his delight.

"For Charlie I am very pleased for him," Ross told the Sunderland Echo. 

"It has been a tough season for him for a variety of reasons, a tough period of late for him. I say often enough about communicating with players a lot, it is my job to make them better and look after them and find out what we can do to help them."

“We have encouraged him. He hasn't scored today but he played a big part in us winning the game, I hope he will take a lot of confidence and belief from that.”

Wyke cost the Black Cats £1m from Bradford City, but has been plagued by injuries which ruled him out of the opening stages of the season and again through autumn and early winter.

The Verdict

Wyke and Grigg might just be the way forward for the Black Cats, but Wyke has to be on form. He can be a real nuisance for defenders, he is brisk and burly and complements Grigg well.

If Ross can get the player's confidence up and get him on form, they might be the deadly combination that sees the Wearsiders over the line.