Elliott halts Ipswich rise to summit

Stephen Elliott crowned a memorable week by helping Sunderland to a 2-0 victory at the Stadium of Light to deny Ipswich the chance to move to the top of the table yesterday.

Stephen Elliott crowned a memorable week by helping Sunderland to a 2-0 victory at the Stadium of Light to deny Ipswich the chance to move to the top of the table yesterday.

The signing from Manchester City made his Republic of Ireland debut in the 1-0 win over Croatia at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday. And yesterday he netted his ninth goal of the campaign, back-heeling from close range on the hour, to help Sunderland stretch their unbeaten home league record to 10 games to move into third.

Substitute Chris Brown sealed the points with his first league goal of the season.

Sunderland deserved to end Ipswich's 11-game unbeaten run with manager Mick McCarthy saying: "I thought we played very well. We deserved to win. I can't imagine Joe (Royle) has said different."

The home side forced Kelvin Davis to produce two stunning saves from on-loan Birmingham midfielder Carter.

The Ipswich teenager, Dean Bowditch, showed promise early on but the visitors produced little of note and failed to score for the first time this season.

Goals: Elliott (60) 1-0; Brown (75) 2-0.

Sunderland: (4-4-2) Myhre, Wright, Caldwell, Breen, McCartney, Whitley (Lawrence, 45), Carter, Arca, Whitehead, Elliott (Bridges, 76), Stewart (Brown, 57). Substitutes not used: Alnwick, Danny Collins.

Ipswich (4-4-2) : Davis; Diallo, De Vos, Naylor, Wilnis; Bowditch (Counago, 43), Horlock, Magilton, Westlake; Bent, Kuqi (Knights, 80). Substitutes not used: Richards, Collins, Supple.

Referee: J P Robinson (E Yorkshire).

Booked: Sunderland: Arca. Ipswich: Bowditch, Diallo.

Man of the match: Davis.

Attendance: 31,723