Sunderland out of relegation zone with win over Reading

Sunderland took a comfortable 3-0 win against Reading in the Premier League this evening.

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The home side were dominant in the opening half, taking the lead after just two minutes through James McClean after Adam Federici failed to clear a corner.

Steven Fletcher doubled the advantage in the 28th minute, with a casual back-heel past the Royals keeper.

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Reading looked strong when attacking, but a well-organised Sunderland defence gave them few real chances to score in the opening 45 minutes.

The visitors started the second half brightly, Noel Hunt taking a chance that drifted high in the opening minutes.

Simon Mignolet was forced to make his first save of the night in the 53rd minute, when a Nicky Shorey free kick fired towards the Sunderland goal, but the Belgian keeper parried it wide.

Reading had an appeal for a penalty turned down after Jobi McAnuff going down in the box after finding a way through the Sunderland defence.

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Hunt had another shot in the 88th minute, but Mignolet's reactions kept the ball out of the net.

Stephane Sessegnon added a third for Sunderland in injury time, and McClean could have added a fourth, but Federici made a comfortable save.

The win moves Sunderland out of the relegation zone and up to 15th, while Reading remain in 19th.