Yahoo Sport 
Anthony Patterson's Sunderland promotion assessment and view on Sheff Utd challenge
ANTHONY PATTERSON remains convinced Sunderland are capable of maintaining their promotion push to the end of the season, despite having dropped out of the top two for the first time since September.
The Black Cats fell out of the automatic-promotion places on Tuesday evening when they were held to a goalless draw with West Brom in a closely-fought encounter at the Stadium of Light.
The result means Regis Le Bris’ side have extended their unbeaten run to ten matches, but a succession of draws means they have now failed to win any of their last five games.
They face another stiff examination of their promotion credentials on Friday evening when they head to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United, who moved into top spot when they beat Oxford United on Tuesday, but Patterson remains convinced he and his team-mates are more than capable of making it to the Premier League.
“I think we've got what it takes to kick right on and be right up at the top spots by the end of the season,” said Patterson, who returned from a month-long injury at Millwall last weekend.
“I think if you ask any of the lads really, I think they'll all say the exact same thing. I think the aim is promotion this year for all the lads.”
With that in mind, a draw against promotion rivals West Brom was hardly a disaster, even if Sunderland did create the better opportunities on Tuesday night.
READ MORE:
Regis Le Bris stresses Sunderland 'reality' in balanced attempt to address situation
Attacking frustration and late scare - but inevitable outcome between Sunderland and West Brom
Wilson Isidor had an effort narrowly ruled out for offside in the second half, while Chris Rigg saw a goal-bound shot blocked by Baggies midfielder Alex Mowatt.
Former Sunderland striker, Josh Maja, had a decent first-half opportunity for the visitors though, so while the home side’s players were far from satisfied with a point, they were still able to take plenty of positives from their performance.
“I think we've got to take the positives that we're unbeaten in ten games now, albeit we've drawn the last five,” said Patterson. “I think we've got to take real positives from the results that we have been getting and who stands up.
“Being a goalkeeper, it’s great to get a clean sheet but on the whole, I think it's frustrating that we had such great control in the game and we weren't able to find the goal to win the game.
“It was quite the contrast really (to the weekend). Obviously, Millwall, we knew what we were going to get playing there. And then obviously (against West Brom), the lads defended really well, controlled the game from start to finish pretty much. And yeah, I didn’t have a great deal to do at all.”
Attention now switches to the Friday-night trip to Bramall Lane, with Sunderland set to encounter a Sheffield United side who are unbeaten at home this season.
The Blades started the campaign with a two-point penalty because of financial issues, but have still forced themselves into the heart of the promotion race with a series of well-organised, hard-working displays.
“We’re looking forward to it,” said Patterson. “Obviously, they won (on Tuesday evening), so they got two points clear of us, but obviously, that doesn't change things for us. We want to go to Sheffield and win the game, and that's what our aim will be.”
