Sunderland capitalised on the early dismissal of Brede Hangeland to earn a crucial victory against Fulham.
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A quiet opening to the match was quickly forgotten on the half four when Hangeland was awarded a red card by Lee Probert for a two-footed lunge on Lee Cattermole.
The visitors were ahead five minutes into the second half against the run of play after an incisive breakaway was finished brilliantly by Steven Fletcher.
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Moments after John Anre Riise's deflected drive hit the woodwork Adam Johnson played Fletcher through with a long-range pass and he made no mistake for his sixth of the season.
Fulham rallied and were level almost instantly when Mladen Petric played to the whistle to slot home a cross from Damien Duff while appeals for offside fell on deaf ears.
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Sunderland restored their advantage ten minutes later when Carlos Cuellar evaded the marking of Steve Sidwell to arrow a precise header into the corner.
Martin Jol's men pressed for an equaliser but the result was put beyond doubt 20 minutes from time when Stephane Sessegnon unleashed a fierce drive from distance, giving Mark Schwarzer no chance.
The Black Cats had chances to add some gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages but will settle for recording only their second victory of the season.
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Liam Power
