Bent double fires Sunderland towards safety

Darren Bent scored twice as Sunderland moved closer to Premier League safety with a 3-1 win against Birmingham on Saturday.

Steve Bruce’s team are now 10 points clear of the relegation zone after Bent’s double and a Fraizer Campbell goal at the Stadium of Light.

Bent struck twice in the first 11 minutes to take his goal tally for the season to 21 and, although Cameron Jerome reduced the deficit after the break, Campbell put the result beyond doubt late on.

With Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones sidelined due to a hip problem, Bruce handed a first start to Zimbabwe forward Benjani Mwaruwari, on loan with the Black Cats from Manchester City.

Bruce’s side needed just five minutes to take the lead as Bent struck up an impressive partnership with Benjani.

Kieran Richardson picked out Campbell, who played a pass on to Benjani inside the penalty area. The Zimbabwean’s shot was blocked, but Bent pounced on the rebound to beat keeper Joe Hart from close range.

The hosts were well on top and added a second goal in the 11th minute when Steed Malbranque cut inside from the left and crossed to Bent, who tricked his way past defender Scott Dann before smashing a low shot home.

Birmingham looked in disarray at the back and Campbell went close to a third when he forced Hart into a good save.

Keith Fahey had Birmingham’s first opportunity but Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon was equal to the strike.

Alex McLeish’s side went even closer through Christian Benitez, who met Stephen Carr’s cross with a firm header that Gordon tipped on to the crossbar.

Richardson forced a fine stop from Hart with a curling shot moments later and Malbranque smashed the rebound high over the bar.

Birmingham should have reduced the deficit early in the second half when Jerome got in behind the home defence, but Gordon bravely blocked his strike.

Gordon made two more fine stops as he got down well to parry Benitez’s firm drive and denied Stephen Carr from the rebound.

McLeish sent on former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips and James McFadden and the changes paid dividends as Jerome gave Birmingham hope on the hour.

Jerome found space down the right and left the home defence trailing as he surged clear before slotting past Gordon.

Gordon had to be at his best once again to claw away Liam Ridgewell’s goal-bound header but Campbell made the game safe when the former Manchester United forward finished off Jordan Henderson’s cross in the 88th minute.