Sunderland picked up a crucial midweek win against Gillingham, seeing off the relegation-threatened side 4-2 to close the gap on the top two. 

Lee Cattermole and Tom Flanagan both scored within the opening ten minutes either side of Tom Eaves' equaliser to give the Black Cats an early 2-1 lead.

Brandon Hanlan made it 2-2 just before the break but penalties from Will Grigg and Aiden McGeady made sure Sunderland picked up a crucial three points.

They now sit just two points behind second-placed Barnsley in the League One table and with a game in hand over the Tykes.

[ad_pod ]

Flanagan took to Instagram after the game to express his delight at scoring his first goal for the club and at picking up the crucial three points.

He made the move to the Stadium of Light from Burton Albion back in the summer and has made 21 appearances across the back four this season.

And here is what the fans had to say after his performance...

ethanosafc14 Yes Tom ????⚪️????⚪️

mdon874 Good game & goal lad - keep it going. ????????????

richyjackson73 Good game mate keep it going

littlemix_luke_onien_fan best goal of the day flans @tomflan21

englishkitten77 Well done on your first Sunderland goal x ????⚪????⚪⚽

liammcdermottr6 Well done Tom lad????????

danielking05 Quality again last night mate ????⚪️