Peterborough 0 - 2 Sunderland: O’Neill’s men on fire as Posh knocked out

Sunderland’s renaissance under Martin O’Neill continued at London Road where they eased past npower Championship side Peterborough to make it through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Peterborough went into the game on the back of a five-match unbeaten run that has put them within striking distance of the play-offs and they started confidently.

However, the Black Cats soon controlled the first half, almost going ahead when James McClean rattled the bar with a fierce drive in the first half.

They soon took the lead after the break with Sebastian Larsson’s free-kick. The Swede whipped in a curling ball that evaded the sea of players from both sides in the box and sneaked to the net at the back the post.

McClean, 22, got the goal he deserved just before the hour when he glanced home Larsson’s cross at the near post from eight yards to make it five wins from seven matches since O’Neill took charge.