Sunderland star spotted in the stands at Preston as Black Cats take bumper following

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Sunderland were held to a second-straight goalless draw in the Championship on Wednesday, on a frustrating night for fans.

Sunderland fans don’t have a whole lot to say on social media after their side’s performance against Preston North End on Wednesday.

And it’s because there really isn’t a lot to talk about. Preston kept Sunderland right at bay throughout and were perhaps unlucky not to have the lead at half-time.

The Black Cats looked better in the second half, though Regis Le Bris’ side looked very tired at times, now seeing their lead at the top of the Championship table stand at two points compared to five last week.

Le Bris made several changes to his Sunderland starting XI for the game at Preston, handing first starts to Aaron Connolly and Tom Watson, with Alan Browne also coming in for the suspended Jobe Bellingham.

• READ MORE: Five talking points for Sunderland after Preston, including the Black Cats’ Aaron Connolly conundrum

Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham pictured in the stands at Preston North End

Bellingham was shown a straight red card for Sunderland in the 0-0 draw against QPR last weekend, resulting in a three-match ban for the 19-year-old.

But despite having some time to rest, which he desperately needed but lacked at times last season, he was spotted in the away stands at Deepdale on Wednesday night, and the fans loved it.

Journalist James Copley also revealed that close to 5,000 Sunderland fans made the trip to Deepdale on Wednesday, despite the game being shown live on Sky Sports – here’s a last of Sunderland games live on Sky Sports in November.

Bellingham had featured in all 13 of Sunderland’ Championship games before the trip to Preston, scoring twice and grabbing one assist in the process.

• READ MORE: Record-breaking striker is Sunderland’s clear Wilson Isidor alternative, and he’s bound to move in 2025

Championship results on Wednesday, and how the table looks right now

Sunderland play Coventry City at the Stadium of Light this weekend, then breaking for what is a third international break of the season so far.

That means Bellingham won’t be available again for selection until the Black Cats travel to Millwall on November 23rd.

Le Bris will just be hoping that his side retain their top spot by then, with Sheffield United now creeping up in 2nd and just two points behind Sunderland after the Blades won at Bristol City on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, top six hopefuls Blackburn Rovers and Watford both lost, though the headline result was Leeds United’s 1-0 loss at Millwall.

Here’s how the Championship table looks after Wednesday’s results…