Report and free match highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Sunderland at Deepdale on Wednesday night; League-leading Black Cats held to a goalless draw but move to two points clear at top. Preston held table-topping Sunderland to a 0-0 draw in the Sky Bet Championship.

Follow live coverage as Preston North End face Sunderland in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

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Lewis Smith is the referee. He was in charge of Cardiff City ’s 2-1 win against Norwich City at the weekend. This is the first time he will have officiated both Preston North End and Sunderland this season. He has overseen 19 games this term, brandishing 64 yellow cards, and three reds.

Preston North End have lost two of their past three league games against Sunderland (W1), as many as in their previous 14 meetings (W6, D6, L2). Sunderland have lost three of their past five league visits to Deepdale (W1, D1), including a 2-1 defeat in August 2023.

Sunderland will face a strong challenge despite their higher league position when they play at Deepdale, where they have always struggled. Still, they are expected to keep leading the table. A recent loss might demoralize Preston, and it will take them less time to get back into form if they want to challenge the first team.

Andrew Hughes (Preston North End) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt blocked. Sam Greenwood (Preston North End) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Josh Bowler with a cross. Josh Bowler (Preston North End) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Follow live coverage as Plymouth Argyle face Portsmouth in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.