Sunderland have recorded a 1-0 win over Southampton in the Premier League this afternoon courtesy of Steven Fletcher's first-half strike.

The visitors almost took the lead within the first minute when Stephane Sessegnon tried his luck, but Kelvin Davis was at full stretch to deny the Sunderland man.

Simon Mignolet was called into action by Gaston Ramirez, who had Southampton's first threatening shot with a curling effort from 20 yards out that the Sunderland keeper could only parry away.

The Black Cats took the lead just one minute before the interval when Adam Johnson beat the offside trap before sending the ball across to Fletcher, who turned it in at the back post.

Johnson almost got his own name on the scoresheet eight minutes into the second half having found his way inside the Southampton box, but his eventual effort flew over the bar.

Craig Gardner almost doubled his side's lead with just over 10 minutes left with a long-range free kick, but Davis collected the effort at the second attempt.

The Saints could not find an equaliser in the closing stages as Sunderland held on for a win over their fellow relegation candidates.