MAKING HIS MARK

McGuinness strikes late to seal it for Bluebirds

- IAN MURTAGH

SUNDERLAND 0
CARDIFF 1
McGuinness 87 

CARDIFF Sunderland hit in-form with a late sucker-punch to maintain their own fine start to the campaign.

The Bluebirds were just starting to congratulate themselves for an afternoon of stout defending when centre-half Mark McGuinness rose highest (right) to guide in Ryan Wintle's 87th-minute corner.

It may have been Cardiff's first effort on target, but it was reward for their collective defiance and a fine goalkeeping display by former Black Cats trainee Jak Alnwick.

The 30-year-old has rarely made the headlines since quitting the club as a teenager but he will remember his return to Wearside with a string of fine saves to keep Sunderland at bay.