Sunderland conceded in the 91st minute as the team dropped two points in the promotion race as Jack Ross’ men are now four points away from second in League One.
The lads edged the first half and Jimmy Dunne, Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke all had great chances to open the scoring. Max Power scored what looked like the winner, but it was cancelled out by Matt Godden’s late equalizer. The draw sees Sunderland drop to fourth and it’s now out of the team’s hands as the playoffs look more and more likely.
Every game at this stage of the season was a big one and this one was no different with Portsmouth winning the early kick-off it meant that Sunderland came into the game 4th.
With the comfortable 2-0 victory over Doncaster, Jack Ross stuck with the side which returned to winning ways. Alim Ozturk and Jimmy Dunne retained their places at the heart of defence looking to gain another clean sheet.
Peterborough were seventh only one place four points behind Doncaster in 6th and will have been desperate to get closer to the playoff spots.
In the early stages Sunderland were looking good down the right-hand side as Luke O’Nien overlapping Lewis Morgan was causing them all sorts of problems.
Charlie Wyke had the ball in the back of the net and thought he’d gave Sunderland the lead only to see it ruled out as there had been an apparent foul in the build-up to the goal.
It was turning into a scrappy affair with the referee giving a lot of niggly fouls. It’s fair to say the travelling supporters weren’t impressed with his performance in the opening 20 minutes.
North East lad Marcus Maddison was looking a threat for the hosts and his long-range effort had Jon Mclaughlin scrambling to his right as his effort flashed wide.
On the counter Sunderland had the best chance of the game, Lee Cattermole sent Wyke through on goal, on his left foot he couldn’t hit the target as his effort flashed wide. It was a great through ball by Catts, but on his weaker side, Wyke missed the target.
The lads came close again this time from a set piece as McGeady’s ball in was flicked on by Wyke, but Ozturk couldn’t get a good contact to head it in from close range.
Sunderland were so unlucky not to be leading going into the break with two quick chances. McGeady crossed to Dunne who looked destined to score from six yards, but his header was well saved by Aaron Chapman. The Peterborough keeper then made another great stop as McGeady fired in a fine shot from the left and he tipped it wide.
The lads had ended the half much the stronger team and will no doubt feel unlucky not to go into the break 1-0 up.
The second period started like large spells of the first was a closely fought contest, Sunderland were struggling to find the rhythm that had seen the lads end the first half the stronger.
The game was a stop-start affair, with neither team managing to create any clear-cut chances it was the sort of game where one goal would be enough to win the match.
With just over 20 minutes remaining Jack Ross brought on Will Grigg for George Honeyman and reverted to a 4-4-2 formation as the lads looked for that elusive goal.
It was becoming painful viewing as Sunderland looked bereft of ideas, McGeady tried an effort from way out which flew wide of the post. It just about summed up Sunderland’s second half.
With ten minutes left Chris Maguire made his return to action following a leg break as McGeady was brought off.
Maguire had so much time and space to measure a shot from just outside the box, but his effort was poor as the team just looked dejected.
Out of absolutely nothing Max Power unleashed a rocket into the bottom corner, it was exactly what the game needed a moment of true quality. He sent the thousands of travelling fans wild with an unbelievable goal.
In Injury time Ivan Toney knocked it down for Mat Godden who scored low past McLaughlin to break Sunderland's hearts.
The hosts should have snatched the three points, Godden was free at the back post and should have scored but he blazed it over
Full Time: Peterborough 1-1 Sunderland
ALS Man of the Match: Max Power
