Sunderland result could tip the survival battle in Hull City's favour on one condition
A first half own goal was enough to seal a major three points for Hull City at the Stadium of Light against a Sunderland side who were unbeaten in the previous 16 home league games this season.
Just as they did at Sheffield United in their last victory, Ruben Selles' side caused something of a Championship upset against a team in the top four and previously unbeaten in front of their own supporters, and they did it with another clean sheet.
After being held by Norwich City last weekend, the Tigers have now made it two games unbeaten, and if that run becomes three on Tuesday night, they'll have returned from Cardiff City with a positive result, which is now absolutely crucial in their quest to move away from danger.
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Here, Tigers reporter Barry Cooper looks back on another memorable away day....
Away day magic - again
City have now won four of their last five games on the road and have shot from 11th to 8th in the away table with their sixth success this term, and it's the second time in successive seasons they've won on Wearside by a solitary goal to nil.
Winning four of five isn't something to be sniffed about, and we wondered if that 3-0 success in the Steel City was a one-off, one of those freak results you get in this crazy league.
Winning at the Stadium of Light isn't something many have done this season. In fact, only Stoke City have done that in the FA Cup. The Black Cats have won 10 of 16, drawing the other six, so that shows how tough this was, irrespective of their mentality after the drama at Elland Road on Monday.
Selles' team have pulled another rabbit out of the hat, and this was anything but smash and grab. They earned it, and while they had to ride their luck at times, few home supporters could have too many complaints.
Coming of age
Eliot Matazo started off poorly, being robbed of possession a couple of times on the edge of his own box early in the game, but he recovered so well and delivered a dominant performance thereafter.
No doubt in Ligue 1, Matazo is accustomed to having a little more time on the ball, however, that doesn't happen in the Championship, and the way he played for the remaining 80-plus minutes was an example of the quality at his disposal.
That level of quality shows what City can look forward to next season, provided they can stay in the Championship, which will happen if they can churn out more results like this.
A result to change a season
Everybody hoped the victory at Sheffield United would be the catalyst to kick-start City's survival hopes, but they couldn't back that result up and were beaten by Stoke City.
There comes a point when staff and players have to grasp their moment, and this result, coupled with Derby County's 95th minute home loss to Millwall plus the stalemate between Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City, had given the Tigers their biggest breathing space between themselves and the bottom three for some time.
They've got themselves into a really strong position, and now, they really must grasp the opportunity and put a run of results together to move clear of danger. Selles' players have shown that they can do it, and now they must go and do it week after week and get a run together because the momentum gained from a game like this cannot afford to be lost again.
Whether you're competing for promotion or battling to stay up, there's always pivotal weekends in the final weeks of the season, and this could be that one.
Credit the fans
Selles' side were backed by almost 2,000 fans at the Stadium of Light, which is a very creditable following given it's not a short journey to Wearside, the game was 12:30pm on Sky Sports and the ticket prices for a seat high up in the sky.
Steven Alzate called on the supporters to be loud even though they were up in the gods, and that's exactly what they were throughout, particularly once Joe Gelhardt's corner was turned in after 18 minutes. City's away following were loud throughout and their backing made a difference.
We've said it before and it's worth emphasising again how important the supporters can, and will be, in the final weeks of the season, and they'll be hugely important at Cardiff on Tuesday night. Free coach travel is still available.
Off to South Wales
The big challenge now for the Tigers is to do something they've found increasingly difficult all season, and that's back up a big result with another one, and they don't come any bigger than what's facing them on Tuesday night.
Three points against Cardiff City would move the Tigers six points clear of the bottom three, effectively seven with a vastly superior goal difference and just 12 games to play.
While victory there would not assure anything with so many games to go, it would be a huge shot in their arm, and inflict significant damage on a direct rival, whilst boosting their own confidence and a week to prepare for Plymouth Argyle.
