Elliott continues to shine at Sunderland

Stephen Elliott continued the fine start to his Sunderland career with two more goals as Mick McCarthy’s side secured a well-deserved victory to maintain this season’s unbeaten home record in the Coca-Cola Championship.

While Elliott will take the plaudits for his brace, Darren Carter made a dream start to his three-month loan on Wearside by ensuring Sunderland went in for the break ahead at 2-1.

The Birmingham midfielder, who arrived at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, converted the rebound after Marcus Stewart’s penalty had been saved by Andy Lonergan almost two minutes into first-half stoppage time.

Earlier, Elliott’s 27th-minute opener had been cancelled out by Graham Alexander’s penalty, and the young striker took his goal tally to five this season by wrapping up the points in the 52nd minute.

Efforts at goal were few and far between before the midway point of the half was reached but then Sunderland made their increasing dominance count. Arca fired a shot that Preston goalkeeper Lonergan could only parry and Elliott was on hand to knock home the rebound.