SUNDERLAND remain within two points of the automatic-promotion positions in League One after second-placed Peterborough United suffered a 3-1 defeat at Blackpool.

Peterborough would have moved level on points with league leaders Hull City had they won at Bloomfield Road, but they conceded a goal in the very first minute and crashed to a defeat that sees Blackpool move into the top six.

Sunderland now have a game in hand on Peterborough and two games in hand on Hull, who are five points clear of them in top spot.

Jerry Yates got Blackpool off to a dream start in last night’s game when he drilled home from 20 yards out for his 15th goal of the campaign.

Demetri Mitchell and Yates were both off target as Blackpool continued to dominate, but Sam Szmodics blasted wide for Peterborough in the 24th minute before Siriki Dembele had a shot blocked.

Joe Ward volleyed into the bottom corner to level for Posh seconds before half-time, but Yates restored Blackpool’s lead with a 52nd-minute penalty after Jordan Thorniley’s strike was handled by Ethan Hamilton.

Luke Garbutt wrapped up the points for the Seasiders with a deflected strike following a short corner in the 58th minute.

Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson was booked for ranting at referee Bobby Madley after he waved away penalty shouts when Szmodics went down on 82 minutes.

Elsewhere in League One last night, Jack Payne scored the only goal of the game as Swindon edged out fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers for a precious 1-0 win at the Memorial Stadium.

Former Middlesbrough duo Curtis Main and Harry Chapman were both on target as Shrewsbury Town claimed a 2-1 win at Burton Albion, who scored through Sean Clare.

Northampton Town were the night's other winners, with a second-half goal from Sam Hoskins securing a 1-0 win over Oxford United.