Rusyn rescues Sunderland in draw with Middlesbrough

Sunderland rescued a 1-1 draw against local rivals Middlesbrough as Nazariy Rusyn came off the bench to grab a late equaliser at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday.

Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough took the lead through Marcus Forss' 61st minute strike in the Championship derby showdown.

Sam Greenwood could have doubled the lead, but he steered his shot across the face of goal with just Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson to beat Ukrainian striker Rusyn made sure Sunderland exploited that miss when he guided a dipping shot past Tom Glover at his near post in the 83rd minute.

The draw leaves Sunderland just one point shy of the play-off places.

Middlesbrough, who have a game in hand, remain three points behind Sunderland.